T lymphocyte subsets in osteoporosis. Effect of 1-alpha hydroxyvitamin D3.
In order to explore the possible immunological abnormalities as the background for the development of postmenopausal and senile osteoporosis, T lymphocyte subsets were identified by monoclonal antibodies of the Orthoclone OKT series. The OKT4/OKT8 (helper-inducer/suppressor T cell) ratio was significantly higher in osteoporotics with spinal compression fracture than in non-osteoporotics without such fracture in similar age. Total lymphocyte and T cell counts were similar between the two groups. Young control subjects had an OKT4/OKT8 ratio indistinguishable from elderly non-osteoporotics. Administration of 0.5 microgram/day 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 for 2 months resulted in a significant fall of the OKT4/OKT8 ratio in osteoporotics. While the significance of elevated OKT4/OKT8 in osteoporotics remains unknown, the fall of this ratio in response to administration of 1 alpha-hydroxyvitamin D3 suggests vitamin D dependence of this immunological abnormality associated with osteoporosis.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000032:analysis; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000032:analysis; D002117:Calcitriol; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008903:Minerals / Q000032:analysis; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000097:blood*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D008903:Minerals; D002117:Calcitriol