Lymphocyte subset abnormalities in patients with spasmodic torticollis.
The aetiology of spasmodic torticollis is unknown but the patients form a heterogeneous group among which are cases apparently precipitated by a viral illness and others associated with autoimmune disease. We therefore decided to investigate the immunoregulatory lymphocyte subsets in our 11 cases. A significant decrease of both helper and suppressor lymphocytes was identified in the group, together with in vitro evidence of depressed suppressor cell function. Disturbance of the immune response may play a role in this puzzling disorder.
D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013035:Spasm / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory; D014103:Torticollis / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology