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The effect of ACTH treatment on lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with myasthenia gravis

From the Division of Immunobiology, Karolinska Institutet Wallenberglaboratory, Lilla Frescati, 104 05 Stockholm 50 and Department of Medicine, Södersjukhuset, Stockholm, Sweden.

Blood lymphocytes were collected before, at various times during treatment, and after treatment with ACTH in patients with myasthenia gravis. The relative proportions of thymus-derived (T cells) and bursa-derived (B cells) lymphocytes were determined. Eight of nine patients had a relative increase in B cells, whereas T cells showed a relative decrease. Myasthenic symptoms in these eight patients also were relieved. One patient who was not thymectomized showed virtually no relief in symptoms nor any changes in the relative T and B cell proportions or numbers, indicating a close association between the disease and the thymus-derived immune system.

Dr. Smith's address is Division of Immunobiology, Karolinska Institutet, Wallenberglaboratory, Lilla Frescati, S-104 05 Stockholm 50, Sweden.

Received for publication August 12, 1975.