Immunologic Studies in Patients With Alopecia Areata

The study investigated the potential autoimmune basis of alopecia areata by examining complement levels in serum and macrophage migration inhibition factor against extracts of involved skin in 11 unselected patients. Findings supporting an autoimmune link included lymphoid cell accumulation around hair bulbs, association with organ-specific autoimmune diseases, increased prevalence of organ-specific autoantibodies, decreased circulating T cells, abnormal deposits of C3, IgG, and IgM, and positive response to intralesional triamcinolone acetonide therapy.