[Effect of specific immunotherapy on the structural properties of the lymphocyte membranes in atopic diseases].

3-Methoxybenzathrone (MBA) fluorescence was used to explore the structural properties of blood lymphocyte membranes in patients with atopic bronchial asthma and pollenosis treated by specific immunotherapy. An analysis was made of the relationship between the changes in MBA fluorescence and the blood counts of T and B lymphocytes as well as the clinical efficacy of the treatment. As a result of the treatment, the patients manifested an appreciable increase in the MBA fluorescence intensity towards normal and higher limits, provided the results of the treatment were beneficial. In case the treatment effect was unsatisfactory, MBA fluorescence diminished. The rise of MBA fluorescence in lymphocytes was not induced by the changes in the cell counts in the populations. The treatment effect on the membranes remained unchanged in subsequent exacerbation. The use of MBA permits an objective and early assessment of the results of specific immunotherapy.