Two-color flow cytometry analysis in alopecia areata

Since previous studies have shown that circulating T cytotoxic/suppressor cells and natural killer cells are reduced in alopecia areata (AA), we attempted to find further imbalances in mononuclear cells by double labeling with these and additional monoclonal antibodies. In all, the blood of 35 patients and 44 controls was examined using the combinations anti-Leu 3a/8, Leu 2a/8, Leu 2a/15, Leu 7/15 and Leu 7/11a. We found a highly significant reduction of the subpopulation Leu 2a+8+ (p less than 0.008). The results show that patients with AA have additional abnormalities of the circulating mononuclear cells, whereby the reduced Leu 2a+8+ subpopulation represents a new additional marker.