Lymphocyte markers in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis

18 patients with progressive systemic sclerosis were investigated. An absolute lymphopenia and a decrease in the number of E-rosettes and early E-rosette forming cells were found. The number of T gamma cells was reduced as compared to the control values. No diminution was found in the number of histamine receptor bearing cells but the number of T lymphocytes capable of recognizing autologous red blood cells was considerably decreased. The number and the ratio of these T cell subpopulations remained relatively stable even after 6 months in the patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. No individual correlation was found between the clinical findings and the ratio of T cell subpopulations.