Humoral and cellular immune mechanisms in children with spastic bronchitis

Twenty children with spastic bronchitis were examined to determine T and B lymphocytes, serum immunoglobulins and the presence of antibodies against autologous lymphocytes. T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes with surface IgA were observed to decrease while B lymphocytes with surface IgG increased. Besides, the level of serum A immunoglobulins was elevated but antibodies against autologous lymphocytes were not detected. In 7 severe cases Levamisol was applied. The treatment appeared effective in 6 children. Clinical improvement was accompanied by substantial alterations in the behaviour of the examined elements of the immunological system, i.e. increase of T and B lymphocytes, increased concentration of serum IgM in 5 and IgA in 4 patients.