B- and T-cells and intracellular Ig-synthesis of peripheral lymphocytes in children with asthma and/or previous adeno-tonsillectomy.

Studies of IgG, IgA and IgM in serum, the number of circulating T- and B-cells, and the number of Ig-containing blast cells after pokeweed mitogen stimulation of peripheral lymphocytes in vitro were performed in children who had been found previously to have low IgA levels in serum and saliva. The first group comprises 24 children with tonsillectomy performed approximately 3 1/2 years earlier, among whom several cases of atopic diseases had been found. In these children, low IgA levels were found continuously, while the numbers of B- and T-cells and the number of IgG, IgA, IgM and IgE-containing blast cells were within normal levels. The second group comprises 28 children with recurrent and chronic respiratory infections, which often preceded attacks of asthma. Very low IgA levels were found in these children associated with a decreased number of T-cells, increased numbers of lymphocytes with membrane bound IgA and IgE and an increased number of IgE-containing blast cells. The third group comprises 20 children with severe extrinsic asthma. In these children, slightly decreased levels of IgA and low levels of IgM were found. Furthermore, the number of circulating T-cells was reduced and, in addition, an increased number of lymphocytes with surface IgE was observed.