E1Lymphocytopenia in pseudo-lupus-erythmetaosus syndrome

Seven female patients with pseudo-lupus erythematosus (LE)-syndrome had markedly reduced lymphocyte counts in their peripheral blood during the active phase of the disease. One patient, we were able to study during the active phase of her disease, had a diminuation of spontaneous rosettes-forming (T-)lymphocytes, using neuraminidase-treated sheep red blood cells for the test. In this case the percentage of surface-immunoglobulin-bearing (B-)lymphocytes determined by an indirect immunofluorescence technique was augmented. In comparison with 20 normal controls 6 other patients did not show any alterations in the relation of B- and T-lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. 5 patients had circulating lymphocytotoxic antibodies in their serum. A specificity of these antibodies for T-lymphocytes could not be realized.