IMMUNOLOGICAL STUDIES IN PATIENTS WITH ISOLATED GROWTH-HORMONE DEFICIENCY

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 54  (1) , 87-90
Abstract
The proportion of total T cells, OKT4+ (helper/inducer phenotype) T cells and activated T cells (Tac+) in 4 growth hormone deficient children were compared to simultaneously studied age and sex matched healthy controls. Proportions of OKT8+ T cells (suppressor/cytotoxic phenotype) and B lymphocytes (surface Ig positive) were increased when compared to healthy controls. Increased proportion of OKT8+ T cells resulted in abnormally low ratios of OKT4+/OKT8+ cells. Proliferative response to PHA [phytohemmaglutinin] and in the AMLR [autologous mixed lymphocyte reaction] were comparable to the control group. In allogeneic MLR, T cells from 3 of 4 patients responded poorly and 3 of 4 patients non-T cells stimulated poorly in MLR. Con A [conconavalin A] activated suppressor cell activity was comparable to that of the healthy control group. This study supports the role of growth hormone in certain immune responses.