T-LYMPHOCYTES AND B-LYMPHOCYTES IN CONTACT AND ATOPIC-DERMATITIS

The pattern of distribution of T [thymus-derived] and B [bone marrow-derived] lymphocytes was investigated in a group of patients with contact, atopic, and mixed dermatitis by immunofluorescence and T cell rosette tests. A significant increase (P < .001) in B lymphocytes with surface IgD [immunoglobulin D], but without changes in the lymphocytes bearing other IG or C3 [the 3rd complement component] and T cells was noted in patients with contact dermatitis when compared with a control group. A significant increase (P < .001) in B lymphocytes carrying IgE and a significant decrease (P < .001) in the total numbers of T cells were noted in patients with atopic dermatitis; a significant increase in B lymphocytes positive for IgD (P < .001) and IgE (P < .003) with a decrease in the number of lymphocytes bearing IgG were the most important changes observed in patients with mixed contact and atopic dermatitis.