Immunological studies in patients with isolated growth hormone deficiency
Gupta, S.; Fikrig, S.M.; Noval, M.S.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology 54(1): 87-90
1983
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-9104 PMID: 6225585 Document Number: 215969
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 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.