Immune function in sarcoidosis. Studies on delayed hypersensitivity, B and T lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulins and serum complement components

Clin Exp Immunol. 1976 Dec;26(3):511-9.

Abstract

An assessment of immune function was performed in twenty-four patients with recently diagnosed active sarcoidosis. Four patients manifested skin anergy to four antigens. All subjects except one were capable of generating a positive skin response to a croton oil patch test. The incorporation of [3H]thymidine by lymphocytes in vitro in response to the nonspecific mitogens--phytohaemagglutinin, pokeweed mitogen and Con A did not differ between anergic and non-anergic thymidine incorporation in vitro when stimulated by the specific antigens, streptokinase/streptodornase or Candida albicans. Lymphocytes obtained from nine of eleven patients having positive delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions demonstrated MIF production in vitro upon specific antigen challenge. Quantities of circulating B and T lymphocytes did not differ between anergic and absolute numbers of circulating B and T lymphocytes, as well as hypercomplementaemia and hypergammaglobulinaemia when compared to the control group.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Migration Inhibition
  • Complement System Proteins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity, Delayed
  • Immunoglobulins / analysis
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocyte Activation
  • Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors / analysis
  • Sarcoidosis / immunology*
  • Skin Tests
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Immunoglobulins
  • Macrophage Migration-Inhibitory Factors
  • Complement System Proteins