Induction of suppressor T cells in asthmatic children by theophylline treatment

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Abstract
The absolute T-cell numbers and function, and the T-suppressor-cell subset were tested in 11 children with extrinsic asthma prior to and 1 mo. after theophylline treatment. Low mean T-suppressor-cell number and function was found in the asthmatic children, which returned to normal levels and function after 1 mo. of theophylline treatment. A normal mean T-cell number was found in this group of children prior to and 1 mo. after, theophylline treatment. An obvious correlation between the clinical severity of the asthma and the number of T suppressor cells was found. Theophylline most probably activated the T suppressor cells in the asthmatic children.