Effect of estrogens on human blood lymphocyte subpopulations in vitro

Human blood lymphocytes were incubated for 24 hr in medium containing different physiological concentrations of 17 beta-estradiol and estrone. Both hormones caused a diminished expression of C'3 receptors on the cells, as detected by a rosette assay (EAC-rosettes). The expression of membrane receptors for sheep red blood cells (SRBC) was impaired by estrone, but not by 17 beta-estradiol.