[T lymphocytes, non-malignant and premalignant changes in the planocellular epithelium of the uterine cervix].

T lymphocytes play an important role in the immune response to both neoplasia and viral infection. Normally, about 60% of T lymphocytes in the peripheral blood are T4 (helper) lymphocytes, while 20-30% are T8(suppressor) lymphocytes. When this ratio is inverted, most significant changes occur. The aim of the study was to examine the T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio in the peripheral blood of patients with nonmalignant and premalignant changes of the cervical epithelium and to compare it with that in patients without any cytological or colposcopical cervical abnormality. The results show a significant decrease of the T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio in the peripheral blood of patients with leukokeratosis (1.55) and especially of those with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (1.19), compared with the results of the control group (2.31). These findings, as well as the knowledge of the importance of immune response in the control of the onset of malignancy, that the determination of T4/T8 lymphocyte ratio might be helpful in the prediction of the degree of premalignant cervical chance and indicate patient's follow-up.