N-Methyl-N-Nitrosourea Alters Thymocyte Subset Distribution and Targets immature CD4-8+ Cells for Lymphoma Development

Sandra L. Stettner, Sue A. Rummel, Claudio J. Conti, Ellen R. Richie

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

The majority of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea(MNU)-induced lymphomas AKR/J mice express a CD4-8+ phenotype. The CD4-8+ subset in normal thymus contains functionally mature medullary cells and immature cycling cells. This study demonstrates that MNU-induced lymphomas correspond to the immature (IMS’ subset. In addition, specific changes in the distribution of thymocyte subsets defined by CD4 and CDS expression were observed after MN U treatment. Cortical thinning and selective depletion of immature CD4-8+ and CD4-8+ subsets occur immediately after treatment. In contrast, immature CD4-8+ progenitors and mature medullary CD4-8+ and CD4-8+ subsets are relatively resistant to cytotoxicity. Normal thymic architecture and subset distribution are restored within 2 weeks after which selective expansion of the immature CD4-8+ subset occurs. The data suggest that MNU induces neoplastic conversion in progenitor cells corresponding to the CD4-8+ or immature CD4-8+ stages of thymocyte maturation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)737-740
Number of pages4
JournalCancer Research
Volume51
Issue number2
StatePublished - Jan 1991

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

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