In vitro immunoglobulin synthesis in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)

Abstract

In vitro immunoglobulin synthesis in JRA was compared with that in the normal control as a representative marker of B and T cell function, in particular, of helper and suppressor T cell function.
Increase in spontaneous IgG synthesis was observed in 4 patients with active JRA. PWM stimulated immunoglobulin synthesis including IgG, IgM and IgA was decreased significantly in JRA as compared to that in normal controls. Functional impairments of T and active phase B cells were observed in JRA in co-culture experiments. This T cell abnormality appears to be due to helper T cell dysfunction and to be specific to this disorder. Suppressor T cell function is significantly decreased in JRA. IgG suppressor T cell function, in particular, correlated significantly with activity of the disease.
In JRA, there appears to be an imbalance in immuno-regulatory functions resulting from extensive functional impairments in B, suppressor T and helper T cells.
The association in particular of functional impairments of B and suppressor T cells with the activity of JRA, suggests that these cells are involved in the process of remission and exacerbation or etiology of JRA.