Circulating T cell subsets in the Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. Issue 6 (June 1985)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Robb, S A; Bowley, T J; Willcox, H N; Newsom-Davis, J
• Is Part Of: Journal of neurology, neurosurgery and psychiatry. Volume 48:Issue 6(1985)
• Page Start: 501
• Page End: 505
• Publication Date: 1985-06
• Subjects: Neurology -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1136/jnnp.48.6.501
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-3050

Abstract

Abstract : Peripheral blood T cell subsets were measured using monoclonal antibodies and a fluorescence activated cell sorter in 15 untreated patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (nine with small cell carcinoma, one undifferentiated epithelial tumour (ca-LEMS], five with no demonstrable tumour (non-ca-LEMS), 10 age-matched healthy controls and 10 patients with small cell carcinoma without neurological disease. OKT8+ (suppressor/cytotoxic) T cells were significantly decreased in ca-LEMS compared with non-ca LEMS (p less than 0.001) ca-controls (p less than 0.01) and healthy controls (p less than 0.001). In one patient depressed OKT8+ T cells antedated clinically evident tumour by five months. OKT3+ (total) and OKT4+ (helper) T cells were similar in ca-LEMS, non-ca LEMS and controls. The mechanism underlying the loss of circulating OKT8+ T cells in ca-LEMS is unknown, but these changes may help to predict the presence of carcinoma in this disease.