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In vitro thymosin effect on T lymphocytes in ankylosing spondylitis
Thymus
|December 1, 1981
Summary
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) have fewer "avid" T-cell rosettes (ER). Thymosin treatment increased "avid" ER in AS patients, suggesting their T lymphocytes respond to thymic factors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory disease.
- T-cell rosettes (ER) are immune complexes involving T lymphocytes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enumerate T-cell rosettes in patients with AS.
- To investigate the effect of thymosin on T-cell rosettes in AS.
Main Methods:
- Enumeration of peripheral blood "total" and "avid" T-cell rosettes (ER) in 35 AS patients and controls.
- In vitro assessment of thymosin fraction 5's effect on "avid" ER formation.
Main Results:
- AS patients showed lower "total" ER numbers and lower proportions/numbers of "avid" ER compared to controls.
- Thymosin significantly increased "avid" ER proportions and numbers in AS patients, but not controls.
Conclusions:
- AS patients exhibit altered T-cell rosette formation.
- Circulating T lymphocytes in AS patients may be responsive to exogenous thymic factors like thymosin.