Persistent Sydenham's chorea is not associated with sustained lymphocyte dysfunction.
The mechanisms involved in the symptoms of Sydenham's chorea (SC) remain obscure. Taking into account the autoreactive antibody-mediated hypothesis of SC pathogenesis, the persistence of chorea may be associated with increased levels of B1 lymphocytes and other lymphocyte subsets. We evaluated lymphocyte subsets, including B1 and T cells, in patients with remitted (RSC) and persistent (PSC) SC by flow cytometry. Our results showed neither difference in the frequency of T and B lymphocytes subpopulations nor in their activation and functional states. These findings undermine the view of PSC as a sustained cytotoxic cellular-mediated condition. Alternative mechanisms may explain the pathogenesis of PSC.
Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Osvaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Karen Cecília de Lima
KC
Torres
Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Natália Pessoa
NP
Rocha
Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Fundação Osvaldo Cruz, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Vítor Bortolo de
VB
Rezende
Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Walderez Ornelas
WO
Dutra
Instituto de Ensino e Pesquisa, Hospital Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Kenneth John
KJ
Gollob
Departamento de Clínica Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Francisco
F
Cardoso
Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Investigação Médica, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Antonio Lucio
AL
Teixeira
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000502:physiology*; D016175:B-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D002819:Chorea / Q000276:immunology*; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D055815:Young Adult