AIM: To investigate the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations, especially CD4^+CD25^ T regulatory cells in Smad3^-/- mice. METHODS: Hematological changes and changes of lymphocyte subpopulations were detected in Sm...AIM: To investigate the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations, especially CD4^+CD25^ T regulatory cells in Smad3^-/- mice. METHODS: Hematological changes and changes of lymphocyte subpopulations were detected in Smad3"/- mice using cell counter and flow cytometry, respectively, and compared to their littermate controls. RESULTS: The numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were significantly increased in Smad3^-/- mice compared to littermate controls. CD19^+ expressing cells in blood and spleen, and CD8^+ T cells in thymus were all markedly decreased in Smad3^-/- mice. More important, Smad3^-/- mice had an increased population of CD4^+CD25^+ T cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues, including thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations might play a role in susceptibility to inflammation of Smad3^-/- mice.展开更多
文摘AIM: To investigate the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations, especially CD4^+CD25^ T regulatory cells in Smad3^-/- mice. METHODS: Hematological changes and changes of lymphocyte subpopulations were detected in Smad3"/- mice using cell counter and flow cytometry, respectively, and compared to their littermate controls. RESULTS: The numbers of neutrophils and lymphocytes in peripheral blood were significantly increased in Smad3^-/- mice compared to littermate controls. CD19^+ expressing cells in blood and spleen, and CD8^+ T cells in thymus were all markedly decreased in Smad3^-/- mice. More important, Smad3^-/- mice had an increased population of CD4^+CD25^+ T cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues, including thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that the changes of lymphocyte subpopulations might play a role in susceptibility to inflammation of Smad3^-/- mice.