Lymphocyte dysfunction in autoimmune oophoritis. Resumption of menses with corticosteroids

In a 32-year-old woman with secondary amenorrhea and biopsy-proven oophoritis, the circulating T lymphocytes were examined utilizing monoclonal antibody L243 to the nonpolymorphic region of the Ia antigen. The percentage of peripheral T cells expressing the Ia "immune-associated' antigen was 5.6 percent (normal 3 percent or less). With corticosteroid therapy, the percentage decreased to 2 percent and menses resumed after secondary amenorrhea of two years' duration. Following cessation of steroid administration, the percentage of Ia-positive T cells rose to 7.0 percent and secondary amenorrhea redeveloped in the patient. After corticosteroid therapy was reinstituted, menses resumed and the percentage of Ia-positive T cells fell to normal. This report represents additional new evidence of immune dysfunction in patients with "autoimmune" oophoritis.