Abstract
Protein energy malnutrition decreased the number of rosette forming T lymphocytes, of T4 positive cells and their ability to provide help to B cells in antibody synthesis. There was a reduction in serum thymic hormone activity and an elevation of leucocyte terminal transferase and plasma cortisol levels. The numberical and functional deficiency of T4+ helper cells may be important in the pathogenesis of some of the clinical and immunological manifestations of protein energy malnutrition.
MeSH terms
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B-Lymphocytes / immunology
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Child, Preschool
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DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase / blood
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Female
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Hemolytic Plaque Technique
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Humans
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Hydrocortisone / blood
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Immunoglobulin G / immunology
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Infant
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Leukocyte Count
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Male
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Protein-Energy Malnutrition / blood
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Protein-Energy Malnutrition / immunology*
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Rosette Formation
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T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / immunology*
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Thymic Factor, Circulating / metabolism
Substances
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Immunoglobulin G
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Thymic Factor, Circulating
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DNA Nucleotidylexotransferase
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Hydrocortisone