Distribution of T-cell subpopulations in the peripheral blood of patients with erythrodermic psoriasis.

In the present study the percentages of T cells and T-cell subsets, as defined by Fc receptors and monoclonal antibodies (OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, HLA-DR) were determined in the peripheral blood of 12 patients with psoriasis, including six patients with erythroderma and 6 with active, but limited disease. The patients with erythroderma were studied before treatment and 4-8 weeks following. The mean percentages of E-rosette-forming cells and T-cell subsets reactive with the monoclonal antibodies OKT3, OKT4 and OKT8 were within normal limits, as were the percentages of T mu-cells, irrespective of the extent or activity of the disease. The mean percentage of T gamma-cells was reduced in the patients with untreated erythrodermic psoriasis but not in the patients with limited disease. Comparison of the T gamma values in the erythroderma group before and after therapy showed a slight, but statistically significant increase (P less than 0.03). These results indicate a direct relationship between the T gamma deficit and the extent of skin involvement, and argue against a primary suppressor T-cell defect in psoriasis vulgaris.