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Zinc deficiency and blood lymphocyte function with sickle cell disease
Author(s) -
Daeschner Charles W.,
Carpentieri Ugo,
Goldman Armond S.,
Haggard Mary E.
Publication year - 1985
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.904
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1600-0609
pISSN - 0036-553X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0609.1985.tb01569.x
Subject(s) - zinc deficiency (plant disorder) , immunology , zinc , lymphocyte , medicine , disease , cell , t cell , immune system , endocrinology , biology , chemistry , biochemistry , organic chemistry
A relationship between zinc deficiency and lymphocyte function in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) has been suggested. Number and function of B and T lymphocytes were assessed in 3 matched groups of children: normal subjects with Hb A and normal zinc; patients with SCD; and normal zinc (SCD‐N); and patients with SCD and decreased zinc (SCD‐D). Percentages of B and T cells, response to cutaneous antigens and increases in tetanus antibody titres were similar among all groups. Absolute numbers of WBC, lymphocytes and B and T cells were markedly increased in SCD‐N (p < 0.001) and to a lesser degree in SCD‐D (p < 0.01). Controls and SCD‐N had a normal response to all mitogens, which was not inhibited by SCD‐D sera. SCD‐D had a depressed response to PHA (p < 0.001), which was not corrected by zinc addition in vitro. These findings indicate that B cell function and T cell‐dependent delayed hypersensitivity are normal in children with SCD and are independent of body zinc status. They also suggest some abnormality of T helper cells in the presence of zinc deficiency, and in the absence of a demonstrable serum inhibitor.