Lymphocyte function and chromosome aberrations in patients with early mycosis fungoides and parapsoriasis en plaques

Thirteen patients with stage I or II mycosis fungoides (MF) and 10 patients with large-plaque parapsoriasis en plaques (PEP) were examined for immunologic and cytogenetic disturbances. Total lymphocyte counts and immunoglobulin concentrations in the blood were normal. In vitro lymphocyte responses to polyclonal activators and various antigens in standard concentrations were normal. However, titration of phytohemagglutinin and concanavalin A (ConA) disclosed significantly lowered responses to suboptimal concentrations in the patient group, most pronounced in patients with MF II. ConA-induced leukocyte migration inhibitory factor (LIF) production, tested in an indirect leukocyte migration inhibitory assay, was low in the patient group. Furthermore spontaneous LIF production in vitro and small amounts of serum LIF were demonstrated in a few patients. The chromosomal banding pattern, sister chromatid exchange, and break frequency were within normal limits except for 3 translocations in the MF group. It is concluded that even in early-stage MF a pathologic function of blood lymphocytes can be demonstrated, when sensitive methods are applied. The findings might be important for monitoring disease activity and effect of treatment.