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Increased circulation of T lymphocytes bearing surface thymosin alpha 1 in patients with myasthenia gravis: effect of thymectomy.

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.
AuthorsM C Dalakas, J W Rose, J Paul, W K Engel, J E McClure, A L Goldstein
JournalNeurology (Neurology) Vol. 33 Issue 2 Pg. 144-9 (Feb 1983) ISSN: 0028-3878 [Print] United States
PMID6337347 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
Chemical References
  • Thymus Hormones
  • Thymosin
Topics
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique
  • Humans
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Myasthenia Gravis (immunology)
  • T-Lymphocytes (analysis, immunology)
  • Thymectomy
  • Thymosin (analysis, immunology)
  • Thymus Hormones (immunology)

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