LYMPHOCYTE SUBSETS AND INTERLEUKIN-2 RECEPTORS IN AUTISTIC-CHILDREN

Blood samples were obtained from 10 male autistic children ages 7-15 y ears and 10 age-matched, male, healthy controls. Lymphocyte subsets (h elper-inducer, suppressor-cytotoxic, total T, and total B cells) were enumerated using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry. Bound and s oluble interleukin-2 receptors were assayed in unstimulated blood samp les and in cell cultures following 72-hour stimulation with phytohemag glutinin. The children with autism had a lower percentage of helper-in ducer cells and a lower helper:suppressor ratio, with both measures in versely related to the severity of autistic symptoms (r = -.56 and -.6 8, respectively). A lower percentage of lymphocytes expressing bound i nterleukin-2 receptors following mitogenic stimulation was also noted, and this too was inversely related to the severity of autistic sympto ms.