We have investigated the precise distribution of human B-lymphocyte subpopulations (CD5+ B lymphocyte, Leu-8+ lymphocyte, immunoglobulin D (IgD)+ lymphocyte, alkaline phosphatase (ALPase)+ B lymphocyte and bcl-2 protein+ B lymphocyte) within the mantle zones (MZs) and phenotypic characterization of human CD5+ B lymphocytes using immunohistochemical techniques and flow cytometric analysis. IgD+ lymphocytes and ALPase B lymphocytes were confined to the inner layer and outer layer of the MZs of secondary follicles, respectively. CD5+ B lymphocytes and Leu-8+ B lymphocytes were mostly located in the inner layer of the MZs. Bcl-2 protein+ B lymphocytes were seen throughout the MZs. The precise distribution pattern of human B-lymphocyte subpopulations may help further understanding of the histogenesis and features of B-cell lymphomas, particularly mantle cell-derived lymphomas as well as the B-cell differentiation pathway. A minor population of CD5+ B lymphocytes expressed IgD. Almost all the CD5+ lymphocytes did not express ALPase. The data support the fact that CD5+ B lymphocytes are located more in the inner layer than in the outer layer of the MZs. Leu-8 and bcl-2 protein were detected in a large population of CD5+ B lymphocytes. In addition, Ki-67 antigen was not expressed on the CD5+ B lymphocytes. The data suggest that human CD5+ B lymphocytes may be long-living and resting (G0 and G1a stage) cells possessing the capability of continuously recirculating between blood and lymph nodes to participate in some immune responses. Moreover, Leu-8 and CD44 were detected in the majority of CD5+ B lymphocytes but intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and very late antigen-4 (VLA-4) were detected in the minority. The data may account for a high percentage of Leu-8 and CD44 expression and a low percentage of ICAM-1 and VLA-4 expression on B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL), which is considered to be a neoplastic counterpart of normal CD5+ B lymphocyte.