Lymphocyte subpopulations, serum immunoglobulins and complement factors in patients with atopic dermatitis

Abstract

The percentages of lymphocytes carrying different classes of membrane-bound Ig [immunoglobulin] and lymphocytes forming rosettes with sheep erythrocytes (E-RFC), as well as lymphocytes with receptor with the Fc-part of IgG (EA-RFC) were determined in 19 patients with atopic dermatitis. Lymphocyte suspensions were also stained with a specific rabbit anti-human T[thymus-derived]-lymphocyte antiserum. The serum concentration of IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE and complement factor 3 [C3] and C4 were measured. A small but significant increase in lymphocytes with membrane-bound IgE and an increase in the serum concentration of IgE and C4 were observed. A decrease in the percentages of lymphocytes with receptors for sheep erythrocytes (E-RFC) was also found. The percentages of lymphocytes that stained with the anti-T cell antiserum correlated well with the percentages of lymphocytes forming rosettes with sheep erythrocytes. In 1 patient, increased IgE positive lymphocytes, increased IgE serum concentration and decreased T cell numbers were found.