| Abstract: | The in vitro responsiveness of peripheral blood lymphocytes to a variety of mitogens was compared in cells from normal volunteers, from patients with rheumatoid arthritis and from patients with degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis). A consistent and marked depression in the proliferative response to Conconavalin A was noted, while statistically comparable results were obtained with PHA and allogeneic lymphocytes. The significance of these observations is discussed with particular reference to a possible discrete defect in a subpopulation of T cells in these patients. |
