Decreased Lymphocyte Reactivity and Autoimmunity in Alopecia Areata
August 1981
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
New to Alopecia Areata? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → Studysummary This study found that patients with alopecia areata had significantly lower T cell numbers and reduced lymphocyte responses compared to healthy controls, correlated with hair loss severity and presence of antithyroid antibodies.
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In this study from 1981, researchers examined T lymphocyte numbers and functions in 46 patients with alopecia areata compared to 30 healthy controls. They found that lymphocyte reactivity to scalp and hair follicle extracts was undetectable in patients, and lymphocyte responses to PPD, Varidase, and C. albicans were significantly reduced, correlating with hair loss extent and antithyroid antibodies. The study showed that decreased lymphocyte responses were not due to suppressor monocytes, except for C. albicans, where monocyte removal increased reactivity. Patients with alopecia areata had significantly lower T cell numbers, especially those with auto-antibodies, suggesting a link between reduced T cell function, auto-immunity, and alopecia areata.
