[Evaluation of T-lymphocytic activity tested by E rosettes test for rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)].

In a group of 25 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the percent of erythrocyte rosettes forming cells (ERFC) was found significantly decreased in patients with rheumatoid factor positive (RF+), whereas ERFC were normal in the RF negative patients (RF--). Likely, T-lymphocytic depression in the RF+ patients could be related to a T-suppressor lymphocytes deficit and therefore, B-lymphocytes would be abnormally stimulated. Moreover, in the RF-- patients, B-lymphocytes would not be enhanced for the normal T-suppressor lymphocytes activity.