title: Immune function in sarcoidosis. Studies on delayed hypersensitivity, B and T lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulins and serum complement components.
abstract: An assessment of immune function was performed in twenty-four patients with recently diagnosed active sarcoidosis. Four patients manifested skin anergy to four antigens. All subjects except one were capable of generating a positive skin response to a croton oil patch test. The incorporation of [3H]thymidine by lymphocytes in vitro in response to the nonspecific mitogens--phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen and Con A did not differ between anergic and non-anergic thymidine incorporation in vitro when stimulated by the specific antigens, streptokinase/streptodornase or Candida albicans. Lymphocytes obtained from nine of eleven patients having positive delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions demonstrated MIF production in vitro upon specific antigen challenge. Quantities of circulating B and T lymphocytes did not differ between anergic and absolute numbers of circulating B and T lymphocytes, as well as hypercomplementaemia and hypergammaglobulinaemia when compared to the control group.
mesh_terms: D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D002464:Cell Migration Inhibition; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / Q000032:analysis; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000276:immunology*; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008263:Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors; D003165:Complement System Proteins