[Immunologic status of patients with acute altitude sickness]

T- and B-cells were examined in 56 patients with acute mountain sickness exposed to 3600 m above sea level. They showed T- and B-lymphopenia, decreased PHA- and Con A-induced blast formation from T-cells, reduced content of T mu cells and increased content of T gamma and 0 cells. These changes persisted for as long as 5 months. It was demonstrated that individuals susceptible to acute mountain sickness had a lower level of E-RFC and T mu cells and a higher level of 0 cells. These characteristics seen in the baseline produced a negative effect on the adaptation process.