Lymphocyte Sensitization in Asthma with Special Reference to Nature and Identity of Intrinsic Form

Abstract

Studies of lymphocyte sensitization in patients with asthma showed that the intrinsic and extrinsic forms of the disease fell into two distinct groups. Intrinsic disease showed a general sensitization to a number of non-specific antigens, while the extrinsic form had only slight elevation above normal values. These findings suggest that intrinsic asthma results from a defect of general immunity, whereas extrinsic asthma is a specific sensitization.