B-cell changes occur in patients with sickle cell anemia.
B- and T-lymphocytes were studied in patients with sickle cell anemia. Samples were analyzed during asymptomatic periods and during vasocclusive pain crises to assess a possible relationship to these periods. Assays of B-cell function and quantitation of B- and T-lymphocytes and their subsets were carried out. During crises, six of the eight patients showed a significant decrease in the number of immunoglobulin-producing cells, together with normal or enhanced blastogenic responses. The total number of T-lymphocytes was normal when measured by the monoclonal antibody OKT3 in contrast to the significantly lower level observed in some patients, as determined by the E-rosette technic. There were no significant changes in the percentage of either helper or suppressor T-cells or in the percentage of B-cells. The results show that changes in in vitro B-cell function occur during vasocclusive pain crises in patients with sickle cell anemia. These may be clinically important in these patients.
D000328:Adult; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology*; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A / Q000378:metabolism; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000378:metabolism; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008614:Meperidine / Q000494:pharmacology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009020:Morphine / Q000494:pharmacology; D012397:Rosette Formation; D012882:Skin Tests; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000145:classification / Q000276:immunology
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D009020:Morphine; D008614:Meperidine