[Determination of circulating lymphocyte subpopulations in atopic dermatitis using monoclonal antibodies]

Monoclonal antibodies were used to determine the level of circulating helper and suppressor T cells in 34 infants and adults with severe atopic dermatitis and in normal controls. The percentage of OKT3 (total T lymphocytes) was reduced significantly in all the atopic infants. The percentage of OKT8 (suppressor-cytotoxic T lymphocytes) was reduced significantly in all patients with active lesions. The percentage of T gamma lymphocytes was reduced in all the atopic patients with or without active lesions.