| Abstract: | Cytofluorometric studies, using monoclonal antibodies directed against surface antigens of mononuclear blood cells, were conducted in 10 patients with anorexia nervosa, 12 patients with bulimia nervosa, and in 9 healthy, age matched controls. While total leukocytes were not different between groups, the number of lymphocytes was significantly reduced in anorectic but not in bulimic patients. The number of T- but not of B-lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages was diminished. All T-cell populations (helper/inducer = CD4); suppressor/cytotoxic = CD8) and CD57 positive natural killer (NK) cells were reduced in anorexia nervosa. This effect is probably caused by increased glucocorticoid secretion. |
