[T-lymphocytes of the gastric mucosa in peptic ulcer].

Chronic ulcer edges and pylorus of 6 stomachs removed because of ulcer and 10 biopsies of the stomach pylorus from patients with duodenal ulcer were studied. T-helpers and T-suppressors (cytotoxic) were revealed by the indirect three-step immunoperoxidase method with the use of monoclonal antibodies OKT-4 and OKT-8, respectively. T-suppressors (cytotoxic) prevailed among interepithelial gastric lymphocytes in both normal conditions and ulcer. T-helpers dominated in the mucosa tunica propria. They ensure immunoglobulin synthesis after the antigen stimulation and favour the activation of other immunocompetent cells. Both cell types are found in the lymphoid nodules and their centres. Helicobacter pylori seems to take part in the activation of all components of local immune system of the stomach.