CD 4⁺, CD 8⁺ and CD 19⁺cell surface antigen and abnormal mitochondria ultrastructure of peripheral blood P-type atypical lymphocytes in patients with schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective

P-type atypical lymphocytes may play important roles in the aetiology and therapy of schizophrenia. However, there is merely a direct immunological characterisation of it. The aim of this study is to explore the surface antigens of these cells and their comparative ultrastructure in schizophrenia.

Methods

We recruited 25 age-and gender-matched patients with unmedicated schizophrenia, other mental diseases and healthy individuals. Peripheral venous blood was smeared and stained. CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ cell surface antigen- positive lymphocytes were purified using magnetic beads and prepared for light microscopy and electron microscopy.

Results

The percentages of P-type atypical lymphocytes (34.53% ± 9.92%) were significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in schizophrenia than that of other mental diseases (9.79% ± 3.45%). These cells could present CD4+, CD8+ and CD19+ surface antigens. Their relative ultrastructure differed from that of normal lymphocytes, especially in mitochondria, which showed abundant, aggregated and quite irregular mitochondria; for example, slight dilation of the foci, swelling, degeneration, and even cavity.

Conclusions

P-type atypical lymphocytes could be found among CD4+, CD8+, and CD19 + lymphocytes with schizophrenia. Their abnormal ultrastructure of mitochondria implied that energy metabolism might play an important role in the aetiology of schizophrenia.

Keywords:

• Atypical lymphocyte
• schizophrenia
• morphometry
• ultrastructure
• immunology

Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Editage (www.editage.cn) and Liwen Bianji (www.liwenbianji.cn/) for English language editing.

Author contributions

RX designed the study and wrote the manuscript. WG, SS, LC, CJ, and LR performed cellular tests. GW, LX, and CR collected clinical data. LY, XH,CH, WY, and HX performed serum tests. WJ analysed the data. All authors reviewed and approved for publication.

Disclosure statement

None to declare.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Shenzhen Science Technology and Innovation Commission Foundation [No. JCYJ20190814121801683] and the Longgang Science Technology and Innovation Commission of Shenzhen Foundation [No. LGKCYLWS2019000158, No. LGKCYLWS2020001802].