Abstract

Abnormal lymphocyte function has been frequently reported in patients with connective tissue diseases but its significance has been uncertain. Sequential studies of lymphocyte function were carried out in patients receiving the beta-adrenergic blocking drug practolol (Eraldin) both before and during the development of autoimmune complications. No evidence was obtained that abnormal lymphocyte function presaged the onset of autoimmunity, and when these tests did show deficient responses these could be correlated with disease activity in general.