Alterations in T lymphocytes and T-lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with syphilis. Issue 1 (February 1982)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jensen, J R; From, E
• Is Part Of: Sexually transmitted infections. Volume 58:Issue 1(1982)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 1982-02
• Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Periodicals; HIV infections -- Periodicals; 616.951005
• DOI: 10.1136/sti.58.1.18
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1368-4973

Abstract

Abstract : The distribution of T-lymphocyte subpopulations was studied in 34 patients with primary or secondary syphilis before and after treatment. An absolute and relative T lymphopenia was found in all patients. In primary syphilis the concentration of helper cells--T cells with Fc receptors for IgM (T mu)--was low whereas in secondary syphilis the suppressor cell concentration--T cells with Fc receptors for IgG (T gamma)--was reduced. Using lymphocytes from healthy subjects this could be imitated in vitro by the addition of serum from patients with secondary syphilis. In many autoimmune diseases a low concentration of T gamma may be a primary factor in the production of autoantibodies. The occurrence of similar changes in patients with secondary syphilis, however, indicates that such fluctuations in the T-cell subpopulations may take place during a strong immune response.