A study of peripheral T-Lymphocytes in alopecia areata.

Estimation of peripheral T-lymphocytes (active and total) was carried out in 100 cases of alopecia areata as per method described by Boyam (1977) and West et al (1978). Clinically patients were divided in two groups, alopecia areata circumscribed (group I) and severe alopecia areata (group II). Thirty healthy subjects served as controls. Decrease in percentage of both active and total E-RFC was observed in 70% cases. The decrease was more significant in group II.

Mast cell reactivity in lymphoma: a preliminary communication.

Fifty nodes of Hodgkin's disease, 50 of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and 20 of reactive hyperplasia revealed varying degree of mast cell reactivity. It was maximum in reactive lymph nodes, sinuses and interfollicular areas being infiltrated more than zones. The number of mast cells was more in nodular sclerosis variety of Hodgkin's disease than other Rye-subtypes, and more in Hodgkin's group than non-Hodgkin's, out of the latter, the diffuse histiocytic lymphoma revealed higher number. Analysis of a larger series and follow-up of these patients are indicated to establish the possible reactionary nature of mast cell reactivity in lymphomas, and the prognostic bearing, if any.

Mast cell in leprosy.

Mast cell distribution in the affected skin and in the apparently normal skin at least 10 cm away from the lesion was studied in 250 leprosy patients. These cells were found and were more numerous in the apparently normal skin of established cases of leprosy as well amongst indeterminate group. Absence of mast cells was conspicuous in 16.7% LL, 41.7% BB, 40.9% BT, and 68.0% TT lesions. It is suggested that mast cells might play a role in the early stages of the disease and in postreactional connective tissue proliferation.

Acid mucopolysaccharides in leprosy lesions.

Uniform accumulation of acid mucopolysaccharides in all types of leprosy lesions was seen, except late tuberculoid lesions which showed the accumulation only at the periphery. Absence of acid mucopolysaccharides was significant in well formed epithelioid granulomas and in giant cells of late tuberculoid cases. Generally a progressive decrease with advancing chronicity of the disease was noted. The dermal zone without any cellular infiltrate showed abundant acid mucopolysaccharides in comparison to those areas having inflammatory cell infiltrate in 70.83% of LL, 42.86% of BL, 33.3% of BB, 40.0% of BT, and 13.51% of TT cases. In Indeterminate cases the distribution was same to that of control cases. Testicular hyaluronidase digestion established that hyaluronic acid constituted the main bulk of acid mucopolysaccharides. The possible source of hyaluronic acid is discussed.

Connective tissue changes and mast cell variations in benign and malignant lesions of the uterine cervix.

We have studied mast cell variations and stromal changes in 100 benign and 100 malignant lesions of the uterine cervix. Mast cells were found in close proximity to the cervical glands or young proliferating fibroblasts. Comparison of mast cell densities in benign and malignant conditions revealed an increase in inflammatory processes, while in cancers there is diminution in number or total absence of mast cells. There is no conclusive correlation between the age of the patients and the density of these cells. An inverse relationship existed between the mast cell population and degree of anaplasia as well as of mitotic figures.