Lymphocytotoxicity in Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis

Abstract

Lymphocyte-epithelial cell interactions were studied by an in vitro lymphocytotoxicity assay. No substantial cytotoxicity was demonstrated by lymphocytes from 14 normal subjects and 21 disease controls, with and without oral lesions. Eight patients with inactive recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) had lymphocytes that demonstrated an intermediate degree of cytotoxicity. Lymphocytes from 19 patients with active RAS and five patients with oral aphthae and Behcet syndrome demonstrated the greatest degree of cytotoxicity. Statistical comparisons revealed significant differences between these three groups (<i>P</i>&lt;.01). The results of this study suggest that there is a pathogenic relationship between these lymphocytes and RAS.