Lymphocyte Subpopulations in Spanish Parenteral Drug Addicts

Abstract

Lymphocyte subpopulations were studied in 29 symptom-free Spanish prisoners who were active parenteral drug abusers. In 16/29 drug addicts (55%) the helper-inducer/suppressor-cytotoxic ratio (Leu 3a/Leu 2a) was <1. None of these 16 patients had lymphopenia and only 2 had a reduction in the number of Leu 3a cells. In drug addicts the number of lymphocytes (p<0.01) and the number and percentage of Leu 2a cells (p<0.001) were significantly raised. The addicts also had a higher absolute number of T cells when measured by their ability to react with the Leu 4 antibody (p<0.01). However, the E-rosette forming cells were significantly reduced. Thus the E-rosette test may lead to an overestimation of “null” cells. Furthermore drug addicts had a higher percentage (p<0.001) of Leu 7 positive cells (NK and K cells), but a normal percentage of B and phagocytic cells. Five drug addicts had generalized persistent lymphadenopathies, and 2 had skin anergy. We believe that most of the immunologic abnormalities seen in these apparently healthy drug abusers can be explained by an antigenic overload.