Effect of subcutaneous thymopentin treatment in drug addicts with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy

The effect of thymopentin treatment on the immune defects in drug addicts with persistent generalized lymphadenopathy and HTLV-III infection was investigated. Thymopentin was administered subcutaneously at two different dose schedules: 50 mg three times a week for 3 weeks (first cycle) and 50 mg/week for 3 months (second cycle). After the first cycle an increased number of OKT4+ lymphocytes and an improvement of PWM-induced blastogenesis and IgG synthesis in vitro was observed. The second cycle was unable to modify the same immune parameters in vitro. The treatment had no effect on the PHA responsiveness and on PHA-induced interleukin 2 production. The significance and the prognostic value of these findings are discussed in terms of the clinical evolution of the syndrome.