Tr, T mu and B lymphocytes in erythema nodosum leprosum reactions of leprosy.

Enumeration of sub-population of T cells with receptors for Fc portion of Ig G (Tr) and Fc portion of Ig M (Tu) and B lymphocytes in the peripheral blood of 39 Lepromatous, 44 ENL and 22 Post ENL patients were undertaken. ENL patients showed significant decreased Tr cell percentage than Lepromatous and Post ENL patients. Although T mu cell percentage was lowered in ENL patients, a relatively elevated T mu/Tr ratio was found than Lepromatous and Post ENL patients indicating elevation of helper activity in ENL. B cells did not register any change in the three stages.