Lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with hydroxocobalamin responsive megaloblastic anaemia

Lymphocyte subpopulations and intrinsic factor and gastric parietal cell antibodies have been measured in 23 patients with megaloblastic anaemia who responded to treatment with hydroxocobalamin. The ratio of helper (OKT4) to suppressor (OKT8) lymphocytes was significantly increased in patients with intrinsic factor antibody compared with those who lacked the antibody. No such correlation was found for gastric parietal cell antibody. Alterations in the lymphocyte helper to suppressor (OKT4:OKT8) ratio may be associated with pernicious anaemia.