title: Characterization of peripheral blood lymphocytes in sarcoidosis.
abstract: In the basal state, patients with sarcoidosis have reduced numbers of circulating T lymphocytes and a normal number of circulating B lymphocytes. The lymphocytes show impaired DNA synthesis in response to several mitogens and antigens and impaired K-cell cytotoxicity. Circulating atypical cells of lymphocytic origin are present belonging to both T- and B-cell lineages. After work (with mobilization of lymphocytes) the T-cell deficiency is further accentuated compared with normals. Moreover, after work a deficiency in the number of circulating B cells is also encountered. The atypical cells do not increase. Compared with normals the impaired K-cell cytotoxicity and lower levels of DNA synthesis also persist. It is suggested that the deviations found in sarcoidosis are consequences of a disease process affecting the lymphoid tissues and successively replacing the normal structures. The presence in vivo of DNA-synthesizing circulating lymphocytes may indicate a persistent antigenic stimulation.
mesh_terms: D000937:Antigen-Antibody Reactions; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D003601:Cytotoxicity Tests, Immunologic; D004247:DNA / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D007104:Immune Adherence Reaction; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D012507:Sarcoidosis / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D004247:DNA