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Cell-mediated immunity in alopecia areata

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Summary

A study of cell-mediated immunity was carried out in a total of 69 subjects with alopecia areata (AA) of the scalp in various phases of its evolution. The blastic responses to mitogens PHA, Con A, and PWM proved significantly reduced, quite independently of the phase of the disease. The total E-rosettes test demonstrated a significant reduction in T-lymphocytes in patients with active AA. On the other hand, no significant differences could be demonstrated between the patients and the controls by means of active E rosette test. The mean values for Tγ and for theophylline-sensitive T-lymphocytes were reduced in patients with active AA. The significance of the results is discussed.

Zusammenfassung

Zellvermittelte Immunität wurde bei insgesamt 69 Personen mit Alopecia areata (AA) der Kopfhaut in verschiedenen Entwicklungsphasen studiert. Die Blastenantwort auf die Mitogene PHA, Con A and PWM war, unabhängig von der Entwicklungsphase der Krankheit, signifikant reduziert. Der Test der totalen E-Rosetten zeigt eine signifikante Verminderung der T-Lymphocyten bei Patienten mit AA in progredienter Phase. Im Falle der aktiven E-rosetten gab es dagegen keine signifikanten Unterschiede zwischen Patienten und Kontrollpersonen. Die Durchschnittszahl der theophyllinsensiblen und Tγ-Lymphocyten war bei Patienten mit AA in der progredienten Phase vermindert. Die Bedeutung der Ergebnisse wird diskutiert.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Bari, Bari, Italy

    R. D'Ovidio, G. A. Vena & G. Angelini

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  1. R. D'Ovidio
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  2. G. A. Vena
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  3. G. Angelini
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D'Ovidio, R., Vena, G.A. & Angelini, G. Cell-mediated immunity in alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol Res 271, 265–273 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409455

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00409455

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