Keywords

Allergy, Immunohematology, Lymphocytes

Abstract

The role of T and B lymphocytes in the human immune response has been studied in allergic and asthmatic patients by many investigators. Theories of suppressed cellular immunity have been reported showing decreased levels of T cells in peripheral blood. Elevated levels of IgE, an antibody, have been reported in these conditions, but not shown to be significant in distinguishing the different types of asthma. A double blind study of 19 allergic and 42 asthmatic individuals was conducted measuring T and B cell levels and IgE levels. The asthmatic group was subdivided into three types, intrinsic, extrinsic and mixed. The possible effects of corticosteroids were considered with each group since 47 out of the total 60 patients studied were steroid dependent. T and B cells were enumerated by rosette method. This method was developed and normal values established. IgE levels measured by radioimmunoassay. Results showed all steroid dependent patients, allergic and asthmatic, had normal or slightly elevated T and/or B cell levels and IgE levels. The corticosteroids appeared to have a simulative effects rather than a suppressive effect on T and B cells and IgE as previous investigators have reported. Allergic or asthmatic conditions cannot be distinguished on the basis of T and B cell levels. IgE levels were found to be highly significant at a 95% confidence level in distinguishing intrinsic asthma from extrinsic asthma.

Notes

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Graduation Date

Fall 1978

Advisor

Sweeney, Michael J.

Degree

Master of Science (M.S.)

College

College of Natural Sciences

Degree Program

Biological Sciences

Format

PDF

Pages

79 p.

Language

English

Rights

Public Domain

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Masters Thesis (Open Access)

Identifier

DP0013169

Subjects

Allergy, Immunohematology, Lymphocytes

Contributor (Linked data)

Michael J. Sweeney (Q59995289)

Collection (Linked data)

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Accessibility Status

Searchable text

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Biology Commons

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