The active E-rosette test in allergic contact dermatitis.

An active subpopulation of peripheral blood T-lymphocytes, characterized by rapid (5 min) rosette formation with sheep red blood cells (A-RFC), was measured in patients with acute allergic contact dermatitis. A significant rise in A-RFC occurred in these subjects. The number of total T cells was also increased in the same group of patients, but the percentage of increase was smaller than that found in A-RFC. The significance of A-RFC and their relationship to patient immunological status are discussed.