T and B lymphocytes in various allergies.
The percentages and absolute numbers of T, B and "null" cells were studied in 100 allergic patients and compared with values observed in 35 healthy age matched control subjects. T cells were identified by their ability to form spontaneous rosettes with SRBC (E-RFC) and B cells by their complement receptor that allows the binding of antibody-complement coated erythrocytes (EAC-RFC). The PBL count was found to be slightly lowered in patients suffering from pollinosis, candidiasis and chronic urticaria. The percentages of T and B lymphocytes were similar in both allergic and healthy people, but the patients with pollinosis, candidiasis and chronic urticaria showed decreased absolute numbers of T lymphocytes. Most of them had normal or even--in some cases of pollinosis and candidiasis--increased numbers of B lymphocytes, and normal or--as in some cases of chronic urticaria and candidiasis--increased numbers of B lymphocytes, and normal or--as in some cases of chronic urticaria and candidiasis--decreased numbers of "null" cells. This study support the hypothesis that allergic diseases may be associated with a defect of a subpopulation of T cells, however, it does not seem possible that "null" cells may represent these defective suppressor T cells.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002177:Candidiasis / Q000276:immunology; D002452:Cell Count; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000276:immunology; D012397:Rosette Formation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D014581:Urticaria / Q000276:immunology