An immunological imbalance between helper and supressor cells has been suggested in the atopic population.

AIM: analyse of lymphocytes subsets in an atopic population.

PATIENTS: 58 atopic pacientes, 30 females and 28 males in three age groups: I (0-11 years), II (12-20 years) and III (over 20 years).

METHODS: blood samples were collected in EDTA and the red blood cells lysed; white cells incubated with Mabs conjugated with FITC and PE. Using flow cytometry, the cell population was defined in basic of FSC and SSC; the purity of the gate was verified by using a Mab anti CD45/CD14 conjugated.

RESULTS: (group, means ± SD)

CD3:      I=67.3±5.6; II=66.4±4.8; III=70.0±5.4

CD4:      I=36.3±5.1: II=38.2±3.9; III=38.6±5.6

CD8:      I=27.4±6.8; II=27.0±5.5; III=31.2±7.8

CD19:     I=16.5±4.6; II=14.4±3.8; III=10.0±2.4

NK cells: I=13.0±4.2; II=12.2±3.0; III=15.2±4.5

CONCLUSION: between the range groups wasn't observed statistically significante differences, however could be noted a decreases value by adults on CD19 cells.