INCREASE OF PERIPHERAL LYMPHOCYTES-B IN GRAVES-DISEASE

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 42  (1) , 33-40
Abstract
Peripheral T and B lymphocytes were examined in [human] autoimmune thyroid diseases. The percentages of T and B lymphocytes were calculated from the proportions of EAC [sheep erythrocyte, antibody, complement] and E rosette-forming cells and peroxidase-positive cells determined by micromethods. In thyrotoxic Graves'' disease, the percentage of T cells was significantly lower; the percentage of B cells was higher than in normal controls. The absolute count of B lymphocytes was markedly increased. The serum levels of thyroid hormones showed a significant correlation with the percentage of B cells and an inverse correlation with that of T cells in untreated cases of Graves'' disease. Similar abnormalities of lymphocyte subpopulations were observed in patients with thyrotoxic Graves'' disease under drug therapy, the proportions and absolute counts of T and B lymphocytes were normal in euthyroid patients with Graves'' disease, under drug therapy or in remission. No abnormalities in T and B cells were found in Hashimoto''s disease. The main feature of the abnormality of the lymphocyte subpopulations in thyrotoxic Graves''s disease apparently is an increase of B lymphocytes. The reasons for the discrepancy between these results and those of earlier reports and for the B cell abnormality in Graves'' disease are discussed.