Increased peripheral T lymphocyte activation in patients with karyotypically normal spontaneous premature ovarian failure.
OBJECTIVE
To determine if soluble interleukin 2 (IL-2) receptor measured in serum by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) might be useful in managing patients with karyotypically normal spontaneous premature ovarian failure.


METHODS
Prospective, controlled observation.


METHODS
Tertiary care research institution.


METHODS
None.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients with karyotypically normal spontaneous premature ovarian failure comprised the study group. Forty-two healthy men and women comprised the normal reference group.


METHODS
We measured peripheral T lymphocyte human leukocyte antigen locus-DR (HLA-DR) expression and IL-2 receptor expression using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. We measured soluble IL-2 receptor levels in serum using an ELISA.


RESULTS
Consistent with previous findings, our patients had significantly higher HLA-DR expression on peripheral T lymphocytes (5.3 +/- 0.46) as compared with controls (3.5 +/- 0.34) (mean +/- SEM, P less than 0.01). Seven patients also had elevated IL-2 receptor expression on peripheral T lymphocytes (P less than 0.05). However, soluble IL-2 receptor levels in the serum did not differ significantly from normals.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with karyotypically normal spontaneous premature ovarian failure have a modest increase in peripheral T lymphocyte activation measured by flow cytometry. This degree of activation does not result in increased soluble IL-2 receptor release measured by ELISA.
Nelson
L M
LM
Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
Kimzey
L M
LM
Merriam
G R
GR
Fleisher
T A
TA
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000276:immunology; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007621:Karyotyping; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008297:Male; D010049:Ovarian Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000032:analysis; D012016:Reference Values; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D001323:Autoantibodies; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2