[Functional properties of T-lymphocytes in patients with multiple sclerosis]

The cellular immunity was investigated in 218 patients with disseminated sclerosis at its exacerbation and remission, and in its two course types. Considerable quantitative and functional changes were detected in the T-cell system. The T-lymphocyte count did not correlated with their proliferative activity, and reduction in their suppressive activity was not correlated with their helper action. Cellular immunity was especially suppressed in activation of the disease and its progredient course. The authors conclude that the results of some immunological tests can provide additional diagnostic criteria for the disease detection and assessment of its activity, severity and prognosis.