T-cell dysfunction in minimal-change nephrotic syndrome of childhood
P. Fodor, M. T. Saitua, E. Rodriguez, B. Gonzalez and L. Schlesinger
Cell-mediated immunity was studied in 25 children with minimal-change
nephrotic syndrome in different stages of their disease. This was assessed
by delayed cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions, number of T lymphocytes,
and blastogenic response to phytohemagglutinin and PPD. Patients with
active nephrosis could not become sensitized to dinitrochlorobenzene and
had decreased response to common recall antigens. T-cell number ranged
within normal values in all nephrotic patients. During active disease,
lymphocyte transformation was markedly reduced, but improved considerably
when cells were cultured in normal plasma. During remission, patients
showed normal proliferative response. Reactivity of normal lymphocytes to
both stimulants was inhibited by nephrotic plasma. Our results suggest the
existence of a serum factor that affects T-cell function.
