Lymphocyte populations in rheumatoid arthritis

The lymphocyte population was studied in 15 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 15 healthy controls. The early E rosettes, and the B lymphocytes (immunofluorescence) were normal. The late rosettes were lower in rheumatoid arthritis (p less than 0.005). This decrease was correlated with immunosuppressive therapy or the activity of the disease.