Immunologic parameters in premature follicular depletion: T and B lymphocytes, T-cell subpopulations, cutaneous reactivity, and serum immunoglobulin concentrations.

In 13 women with premature follicular depletion (PFD) the concentration of T and B lymphocytes, T-cell subpopulation, and serum immunoglobulins was determined. Intending to study only women where no obvious cause for PFD existed, including autoimmune disease, five women were excluded because of significant titers of microsomal antibodies or antinuclear antibodies. In the remaining eight women a reduction in the percent of OKT4 (helper) lymphocytes (42.8 +/- 66 vs 50.7 +/- 3.7, P less than 0.005), the ratio of OKT4/OKT8 (suppressor/cytotoxic) lymphocytes (0.96 +/- 0.27 vs 1.6 +/- 0.25, P less than 0.001), and serum concentration of IgA (124 +/- 53 vs 210 +/- 81.5 mg/dl, P less than 0.01) were found compared to a control population. The concentration of T and B lymphocytes, IgG, IgM, and the cutaneous reactivity to mumps and candida antigens were similar in the two populations. It is hypothesized that a mild immune deficiency may predispose to PFD.