Immunological imbalance in uncomplicated chronic alcoholism

The lymphocyte response to unspecific mitogenic lectins and the frequency of the lymphocytary populations and two subpopulations (DR- and Fc gamma-positive T-cells) as well as the serum immunoglobulin levels were tested. Blood samples were drawn from 15 volunteers with chronic alcoholism, an no clinical detectable correlated diseases and from 8 healthy subjects as controls. An activation of the immune system was found, characterized by an increase of T lymphocytes, DR-positive T-cells, IgA and IgG. Aspects of this activation are discussed.