Subpopulations of Human T Lymphocytes

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Abstract
Peripheral blood from children with bronchial asthma was examined for the proportions of T cells, T cells with receptors for IgM (Tμ) or IgG (Tγ), and locomotion of T cells in the presence of chemoattractants casein and endotoxin-activated serum (EAS). Patients were divided into two groups: (A) children with asthma who were not taking any medication for at least 3–5 days prior to the study and (B) children who were taking aminophylline when this study was carried out. Proportions of T cells and Tγ cells in patients from both groups were comparable to age and sex matched controls. Tμ cells in group A patients were comparable to those of the control group, but group B patients had significantly lower proportions of Tμ cells when compared with those of controls and of patients in group A. Locomotion of T cells in the presence of casein and EAS was comparable in all three groups. The significance of these findings is discussed.