INFLUENCE OF SRBC-LYMPHOCYTE RATIO ON T-CELL ROSETTES IN ALCOHOLIC LIVER-DISEASE AND INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 30  (2) , 277-282
Abstract
Thymus-derived (T) rosette-forming cells were enumerated in patients with alcoholic liver disease and in patients with inflammatory bowel disease using variable sheep red blood cell (SRBC)/lymphocyte ratios. SRBC/lymphocyte ratios of 60:1 and 32:1 did not reveal significant differences from controls in Crohn''s disease. The percentage, but not absolute count, of T cells was significantly reduced in alcoholic hepatitis at the 60:1 ratio. The percentage and absolute count of T cells were reduced in alcoholic hepatitis and Crohn''s disease with the 8:1 ratio. No significant reduction in T cells was seen at any ratio in patients with compensated alcoholic cirrhosis or ulcerative colitis. Use of a SRBC/lymphocyte ratio of 8:1 identifies T cells which demonstrate an avidity for SRBC. This avidity may be related to the density of SRBC receptors on the surface of T cells and/or the affinity of these receptor sites for SRBC. Use of the 8:1 ratio may provide a more sensitive means by which to monitor changes in T-cell rosettes in patients suspected of having an altered cellular immune state.