Bjerke JR.
DOI: 10.2340/0001555562477483

Mononuclear cells in skin lesions were characterized using an indirect immunofluorescence test with monoclonal antibodies. Most cells in the dermal infiltrates were stained with OKT3 (pan T cell) antibodies and with OKT4 (helper/inducer T cell) antibodies. Fewer cells were stained with OKT8 (suppressor/cytotoxic T cell) antibodies. Results obtained using a double marking technique with monoclonal antibodies and a hetero-anti-T lymphocyte serum showed that suppressor/cytotoxic cells comprised 15-25% of the T lymphocytes in lesions of psoriasis and discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), and 25-35% in lesions of lichen planus. OKM1 (monocyte) antibodies stained few of the infiltrating cells in sections of the various skin lesions. The highest numbers of OKM1+ cells were found in sections of lesional skin from patients with erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis. Some T lymphocytes were also demonstrated in the epidermis in the various skin lesions. The highest numbers were found in the psoriatic lesions. The epidermal T lymphocytes were mainly suppressor/cytotoxic cells, and may be involved in a cell-mediated immune reaction of importance in the pathogenesis of these dermatoses.