Cell-mediated immunity in lymphocytic infiltration of the skin
David, M.; Shohat, B.; Feuerman, E.J.
Harefuah 99(5-6): 118-119
1980
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-7768 PMID: 7009339 Document Number: 160250
Lymphocytic infiltration of the skin (LIS) in an uncommon disease characterized by asymptomatic erythematous plaques that occur most frequently on the face, neck and upper back. The etiology is still unknown. Histologically, there is an intense perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes in the dermis. This study investigated the cell-mediated immunity in LIS. The levels of T and B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of 17 patients were measured by the erythrocyte and erythrocyte-antibody-complement complex rosette techniques. The function of T cells was determined by the local xenograft-vs.-host [GVH] reaction and by the delayed hypersensitivity reaction to common antigens. In 7 patients impaired immunocompetence was found, as measured by the GVH reaction. There was no clear correlation between clinical stage and severity of the eruption and the lymphocyte immune reactivity. LIS evidently constitutes a heterogeneous group of conditions and is not a single entity. Because of the possibility of transformation to malignant lymphoma, patients should remain under careful follow-up, including periodic checks of immunological status.