Impairment of Rosette-Forming T Lymphocytes in Chronic Marihuana Smokers

Abstract

Rosettes formed by circulating T and B lymphocytes obtained from 23 healthy, chronic marihuana smokers were compared with those in 23 normal control subjects who denied marihuana use. The mean percentage of T cells forming rosettes was lower in the marihuana smokers (p < 0.005). Nine of 23, or 39 per cent, had T-cell rosette formation lower than 2 standard deviations below the mean for control subjects. The percentages of B-cell rosettes were similar in both marihuana smokers and the controls. This study suggests suppression of a T-lymphocyte subpopulation in chronic marihuana smokers. (N Engl J Med 291:874–877, 1974)