The effect of cyclophosphamide on b and t lymphocytes in patients with connective tissue diseases

Abstract

Absolute numbers of B (I&-, IgM-, and IgAstaining) and T lymphocytes (sheep erythrocyte rosetteforming cells) were determined in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and other connective tissue diseases in cyclophosphamide-treated and noncyclophosphamide-treated patients and in control subjects. I n patients receiving cyclophosphamide, all three types of immunoglobulin-staining varieties of circulating B lymphocytes were significantly decreased. At the same time the circulating T lymphocytes were also significantly reduced. I n patients with scleroderma treated with therapeutic doses of cyclophosphamide and studied sequentially, the reduction in B lymphocytes ocFrom the Dallas Veterans Administration Hospital, Dallas, and T h e Rheumatic

Parameters of improvement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with cyclophosphamide

“…Since monocytes and small lymphocytes both fell concomitantly with improvement in joint score, it may be that depletion of both cell types is important in diminishing the activity of synovitis. Recent studies (15,16) have in fact demonstrated that both Band T-lymphocytes are decreased with cyclophosphamide therapy.…”

In-vitro reactions of lymphocytes in rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

“…This includes radiotherapy, recent surgery, or blood transfusions (Riddle and Berenbaum, 1967;Park et al, 1971), steroids, immunosuppressive drugs, gold, D-penicillamine, or levamisole (Clements, 1973;Strong et al, 1973;Hurd and Guilano, 1975;Panush and Anthony, 1976). The patients tested were either on no treatment or were receiving aspirin or related drugs, which have previously been shown not to affect lymphocyte subpopulations or mitogen responses (Froebel, unpublished results).…”

Thymoglobulin and Cyclophosphamide as Treatment for Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis

“…Cyclophosphamide can affect immune function by decreasing circulating B and T cells 5 . A retrospective, open, controlled study of 103 SSc patients with multiple cycles suggested improved survival 6 .…”