T and B lymphocytes, total serum IgE and peripheral eosinophils in bronchial asthma

Absolute T and B lymphocytes, assayed by E and EAC rosette techniques, serum IgE levels, total eosinophil counts and delayed hypersensitivity cutaneous reactions were studied in 39 asthmatic subjects (19 extrinsic asthmas and 20 intrinsic asthmas) and in 15 age-matched control subjects. The mean value of T lymphocytes was 1753 +/- 709 mm.3 in the extrinsic group, 1511 +/- +/- 530 mm.3 in the intrinsic, and 1609 +/- 451 mm.3 in the controls. There was no statistical difference between the two groups of patients and the controls (P > 0.05). There was also no statistical difference of B lymphocytes between the two groups of patients and the controls. Serum IgE was elevated in 8 extrinsic asthmatics (42.1%), in one intrinsic (5%), and in none of the control population. The mean value of eosinophils ws significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the extrinsic group as compared to the controls. The same was true of the intrinsic group, but not so significantly (P congruent to 0.02). No correlation was observed between the number of T lymphocytes and the skin tests, serum IgE and total eosinophil counts.