Evaluation of bursa-dependent and thymus-dependent lymphocytes of the peripheral blood of subjects with Basedow's disease
Soldà, A.M.; Barabino, A.; Di Benedetto, G.; Puppo, F.; Indiveri, F.
Bollettino della Societa Italiana di Biologia Sperimentale 51(14): 905-910
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0037-8771 PMID: 1082761 Document Number: 95742
Thymus-dependent (T) and bone marrow-dependent (B) lymphocytes in the circulating blood of 20 persons with Basedow's disease were compared with the same blood elements in 16 normal subjects. The results suggested immune system involvement in the disease. T lymphocytes were recognized by forming E rosettes with sheep red cells. B lymphocytes had immunoglobulins [Ig] projecting from their cell membrane (IgA, IgG, IgM and IgD) and formed AE rosettes (red cell-antibody) and EAC rosettes (red cell-antibody-complement). These studies showed a lower than normal complement of T lymphocytes in Basedow's compared with controls. B lymphocytes forming EA and EAC rosettes also were diminished in Basedow's, while B lymphocytes with membrane Ig were increased, at least in the case of IgA and IgG. The latter increase is explained by the production of autoantibodies of these classes. It is recalled that long-acting thyroid stimulator is made up of IgG. The reduced E rosette formation indicated a numerical loss, but not a qualitative change, in the lymphocytes. This may indicate a sequestration of T lymphocytes by pathological thyroid tissue at the expense of the peripheral blood.