title: [T-lymphocyte subsets evaluation in patients with tuberculosis using modulation with theophylline].
abstract: T cells and T cells subsets in peripheral blood of patients with different forms of pulmonary tuberculosis were evaluated to explain some aspects of the immunocompromised state of these subjects. Diagnosis was made by baciloscopy (BAAR), chest roentgenography i.d.r. Mantoux, and other clinical analysis. Spontaneous E-Rosette test (RE) was used to quantify Total (RET 4 degrees C) and Active T cells (REA 37 degrees C) and the same test after incubation with Theophylline (The) for helper cells (The-resistant cells: RETR) and suppressor cells (The-sensitive cells: RETS). Patients were followed for at least 4 months after therapy. The data demonstrate a significant decrease of relative and absolute numbers of Total T-cells and a diminished T helper/T suppressor subset ratio (RETR/RETS) which dropped to less than 1 in untreated patients. Treated patients with a favourable evolution showed a restoration of Total active and helper T cells. RETR/RETS ratio was also significantly increased. In patients with highly positive BAAR, low on negative i.d.r. Mantoux, a decreased level of immunocompetent cells was observed. The 3 aspects were associated. Nutritional condition of the patients was also associated with the predisposition to acquire this disease.
authors.affiliation: Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Argentina.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Dlugovitzky
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Huber
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Welker
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Molteni
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009752:Nutritional Status; D000091402:Prohibitins; D012397:Rosette Formation; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects*; D013806:Theophylline / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014397:Tuberculosis, Pulmonary / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: C000717331:PHB2 protein, human; D000091402:Prohibitins; D013806:Theophylline
vernacular_title: Evaluación de las subpoblaciones de linfocitos T en pacientes tuberculosos empleando la modulación con teofilina.