Lymphocyte subpopulations, serum immunoglobulins and complement factors in patients with atopic dermatitis

The percentages of lymphocytes carrying different classes of membrane‐bound Ig, and lymphocytes forming rosettes with sheep erythrocytes (E‐RFC), as well as lymphocytes with receptor for the Fc‐part of IgG (EA‐RFC) were determined in 19 patients with atopic dermatitis. Lymphocyte suspensions were also stained with a specific rabbit anti‐human T‐lymphocyte antiserum. Furthermore, the serum concentration of IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE and the complement factors C3 and C4 were measured. A small but significant increase in lymphocytes with membrane‐bound IgE and an increase in the serum concentration of IgE and complement factor C4 were observed. A decrease in the percentages of lymphocytes with receptors for sheep erythrocytes (E‐RFC) was also found. The percentages of lymphocytes that stained with the anti‐T antiserum correlated well with the percentages of lymphocytes forming rosettes with sheep erythrocytes. In one patient we found increased IgE positive lymphocytes, increased IgE serum concentration and a decreased T‐cell number.