[Effect of the microclimate of salt mines on T- and B-lymphocyte function in bronchial asthma patients]

A study of 55 patients with bronchial asthma revealed a reduction of the relative number of T-lymphocytes and their IgA content. The changes were most pronounced in patients during the phase of unstable remission of the disease. Disorders of the T- and B-system of lymphocytes were associated with an increased number of cortisol-resistant lymphocytes. After a course of speleotherapy one could observe an increase of the number of T-lymphocytes and their functional activity, normalization of the number of B-lymphocytes, increase of the level of IgA, reduction of the IgM content and of the relative content of cortisol-resistant lymphocytes fraction.