A relationship between
zinc deficiency and lymphocyte function in children with
sickle cell disease (SCD) has been suggested. Number and function of B and T lymphocytes were assessed in 3 matched groups of children: normal subjects with Hb A and normal
zinc; patients with SCD; and normal
zinc (SCD-N); and patients with SCD and decreased
zinc (SCD-D). Percentages of B and T cells, response to cutaneous
antigens and increases in
tetanus antibody titres were similar among all groups. Absolute numbers of WBC, lymphocytes and B and T cells were markedly increased in SCD-N (p less than 0.001) and to a lesser degree in SCD-D (p less than 0.01). Controls and SCD-N had a normal response to all
mitogens, which was not inhibited by SCD-D sera. SCD-D had a depressed response to
PHA (p less than 0.001), which was not corrected by
zinc addition in vitro. These findings indicate that B cell function and T cell-dependent
delayed hypersensitivity are normal in children with SCD and are independent of body
zinc status. They also suggest some abnormality of T helper cells in the presence of
zinc deficiency, and in the absence of a demonstrable serum inhibitor.