Cell-mediated immunity in alopecia areata.

A study of cell-mediated immunity was carried out in total of 69 subjects with alopecia areata (AA) of the scalp in various phases of its evolution. The blastic responses to mitogens PHA, Con A, and PWM proved significantly reduced, quite independently of the phase of the disease. The total E-rosettes test demonstrated a significant reduction in T-lymphocytes in patients with active AA. On the other hand, no significant differences could be demonstrated between the patients and the controls by means of active E rosette test. The mean values for Tgamma and for theophylline-sensitive T-lymphocytes were reduced in patients with active AA. The significance of the results is discussed.