Lipid composition of human lymphocytes in patients with chronic lymphatic leukaemia and with blocked T cell activity.

Cholesterol, lipid phosphorus and total lipid were analysed in peripheral lymphocytes from normal subjects, patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and patients with blocked T cell activity. In chronic lymphocytic leukaemia all 3 parameters were significantly lower than normal. In the blocked group lymphocyte total lipid was significantly increased. Ratios of cholesterol/phospholipid were within normal limits in both groups of patients. Lymphocytes from human tonsils were also analysed and had a lower ratio cholesterol/phospholipid than normal circulating lymphocytes. Exposure to the proteolytic enzyme brinase did not alter lipid parameters in any of the cell types tested.