[Lymphocyte subpopulations in multiple myeloma. Shift in the helper/suppressor cell relation]

Absolute and relative proportions of lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in 21 patients with multiple myeloma and 22 controls. For characterization of cell subsets monoclonal antibodies against differentiation antigens were applied as well as other established techniques. A significant reduction in the absolute and relative proportion of T-lymphocytes (OKT3+, E-rosette+) and of helper-inducer T cells (OKT4+) was found. The absolute counts of OKT8+ suppressor-cytotoxic T cells were of the same magnitude in patients and controls resulting in a significant increase of their relative proportion in patients with multiple myeloma. Moreover, a significant but uniform reduction of leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, OKM1+ cells and B-lymphocytes was found. The relation of T helper-inducer/suppressor-cytotoxic cells was significantly decreased in terms of a relative increase in suppressor T cells.