B-Cell Changes Occur in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia

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Abstract
B- and T-lymphocytes were studied in patients with sickle cell anemia. Samples were analyzed during asymptomatic periods and during vasocclusive pain crises to assess a possible relationship to these periods. Assays of B-cell function and quantitation of B- and T-lymphocytes and their subsets were carried out. During crises, six of the eight patients showed a significant decrease in the number of immunoglobulin-producing cells, together with normal or enhanced blastogenic responses. The total number of T-lymphocytes was normal when measured by the monoclonal antibody OKT3 in contrast to the significantly lower level observed in some patients, as determined by the Erosette technic. There were no significant changes in the percentage of either helper or suppressor T-cells or in the percentage of B-cells. The results show that changes in in vitro B-cell function occur during vasocclusive pain crises in patients with sickle cell anemia. These may be clinically important in these patients.

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