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  • Title: Immunohistochemical characterization of infiltrating cells in human chronic chagasic myocarditis: comparison with myocardial rejection process.
    Author: Higuchi Mde L, Gutierrez PS, Aiello VD, Palomino S, Bocchi E, Kalil J, Bellotti G, Pileggi F.
    Journal: Virchows Arch A Pathol Anat Histopathol; 1993; 423(3):157-60. PubMed ID: 7901937.
    Abstract:
    Cellular subpopulations that infiltrate the heart in human chronic chagasic myocarditis were defined immunohistochemically in endomyocardial biopsy (EMB) specimens. T cells formed 96.3% of the inflammatory infiltrate, predominantly CD8+ (cytotoxic/suppressor) T cells. The mean numbers of CD8+ and CD4+ (helper) T cells in the myocarditis were compared to those present in the myocardial rejection process. Mean numbers of CD8+ T cells were similar in both groups of EMB specimens while CD4+ T cell counts, CD4+/CD8+ ratios and CD4+ antigen expression were significantly lower in the chagasic group compared to the myocardial rejection group (P < 0.002). The persistent lower number and diminished expression of CD4+ T cells suggest an immunological imbalance in patients with chronic chagasic myocarditis. A possible participation of Trypanosoma cruzi parasites in the development of such immunological abnormalities is also discussed.
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