SUPPRESSOR T-CELL SUBSETS IN ALLERGIC RHINITIS PATIENTS

Lymphocyte T cell subsets, total and Parietaria IgE levels were studie d in 68 allergic rhinitis patients. In treated patients we observed an increase in the lymphocyte T cell subsets, which express a suppressor function, defined by several monoclonal antibodies, i.e., CD8, CD8 CD11b-, CD4 + CD62L +, CD4 + CD45RO. This increase was significant for T suppressor cells, CD8 + CD11b- (p < 0.046) and T memory cells, CD4 + CD45RO (p < 0.013), whereas a slight decrease was observed in the co ntrol group. A decrease in total serum IgE levels was observed in anti -H2 treated patients; only a slight increase was noted in placebo grou ps; and no variations were found in Parietaria levels in either group. In vitro culture of T lymphocyte clones, T memory cells, from atopic subjects produces IL-4, which induces an increase in IgE synthesis. An increase in T memory cells, observed in the treated group, should hav e accompanied an increase and not a decrease in total serum IgE levels , if the in vivo data correlated with those in vitro. Consequently, th e behaviour of lymphocytes in vivo is not, homologous to in vitro data .