Quantitative analysis of T-lymphocyte subsets in atopic eczema, using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytofluorimetry.

An analysis of T-lymphocyte subpopulations was performed on thirty-eight consecutive patients with atopic eczema, using monoclonal antibodies and flow cytofluorimetry. The total T-lymphocyte and helper T-cell numbers did not differ significantly from those of a matched control group, but there was a highly significant reduction in suppressor T-cell numbers among the atopic group. Both suppressor T-cell deficiency and circulating IgE elevation were found to correlate positively with disease activity. Food specific IgE levels to milk and egg were ascertained by radioallergosorbent (RAST) studies. These proved positive in seven out of thirty-five atopics (20%).