title: Lymphocyte subsets and interleukin-2 receptors in autistic children.
abstract: Blood samples were obtained from 10 male autistic children ages 7-15 years and 10 age-matched, male, healthy controls. Lymphocyte subsets (helper-inducer, suppressor-cytotoxic, total T, and total B cells) were enumerated using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. Bound and soluble interleukin-2 receptors were assayed in unstimulated blood samples and in cell cultures following 72-hour stimulation with phytohemagglutinin. The children with autism had a lower percentage of helper-inducer cells and a lower helper:suppressor ratio, with both measures inversely related to the severity of autistic symptoms (r = - .56 and - .68, respectively). A lower percentage of lymphocytes expressing bound interleukin-2 receptors following mitogenic stimulation was also noted, and this too was inversely related to the severity of autistic symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Kansas, Lawrence 66045, USA.
authors.forename: D R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Denney
authors.forename: B W
authors.initials: BW
authors.lastname: Frei
authors.forename: G R
authors.initials: GR
authors.lastname: Gaffney
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000097:blood*; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2 / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D015375:Receptors, Interleukin-2