ABSTRACT
The distribution of T and B lymphocytes in peripheral blood of patients with psoriasis was the most controversial point to be considered. The effect of sera from patients with psoriasis on erythrocytes (E) rosette formation by normal lymphocytes was studied. The inhibitory factors for E rosetting receptor of normal lymphocytes were found in about 65% of sera of patients with psoriasis. Lymphocyte responses to nonspecific mitogens were reduced to about one half of that of patients with psoriasis when peripheral blood lymphocytes were cultured with phyto-hemagglutinin or Con A. Complete restoration of both Dinitrochlorobenzene hypersensitivity development and E rosette formation in symptom-free patients with psoriasis argues against a primary abnormality of cell mediated immune (CMI) in psoriasis. The data presented provide evidence that the defect of CMI is a secondary phenomenon in psoriasis. Depressed CMI reactions and production of inhibitors seem to be secondary phenomena underlying the course of psoriasis.
