[Immunologic indices in Itsenko-Cushing disease and syndrome]

Examination of 13 untreated patients with Itsenko--Cushing disease and syndrome showed an increase in total Ig as well as IgA, IgM and IgG, a decrease in the number of O-cells, and the absence of significant change in in the blood content of T-lymphocytes. A decrease in the amount of B-lymphocytes was noted in this group of patients with GTT of diabetic type or mild diabetes mellitus. Repeated examination of 7 of these patients 1-1.5 mos. after the resection of one adrenal gland showed that the content of O-cells had returned to normal, tension of the system of humoral immunity was on a decrease and combined with a decrease in the excretion of 17-OCS fractions though they were still above normal. Hyperlymphocytosis with a high level of T- and B-lymphocytes and the normal content of O-cells was noted in 11 patients after bilateral adrenalectomy for Itsenko--Cushing disease receiving maintenance doses of cortisone.