Abstract |
We studied the interaction of the thymic hormone thymosin alpha 1 with peripheral blood B and T lymphocytes in patients with myasthenia gravis (MG), using antibodies against thymosin alpha 1 in an immunofluorescence technique. Eleven of 16 patients with symptomatic MG had an increased number of T lymphocytes bearing surface thymosin alpha 1 (T alpha 1); 5 patients with asymptomatic disease had normal levels of T alpha 1. In six young adults with symptomatic MG who subsequently responded to thymectomy, the number of T alpha 1 cells returned to normal 1 month after thymectomy. Because levels of T alpha 1 correlated with symptoms and thymosin alpha 1 specifically recruits helper T cells, our findings suggest that T alpha 1 may play an immunoregulatory role in the pathogenesis of MG. Determination of T alpha 1 levels may prove to be helpful in assessing residual thymic activity after thymectomy.
|
Authors | M C Dalakas, J W Rose, J Paul, W K Engel, J E McClure, A L Goldstein |
Journal | Neurology
(Neurology)
Vol. 33
Issue 2
Pg. 144-9
(Feb 1983)
ISSN: 0028-3878 [Print] United States |
PMID | 6337347
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
|
Chemical References |
|
Topics |
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Humans
- Leukocyte Count
- Myasthenia Gravis
(immunology)
- T-Lymphocytes
(analysis, immunology)
- Thymectomy
- Thymosin
(analysis, immunology)
- Thymus Hormones
(immunology)
|