[Study of the immunologic status of persons with Parkinson disease with special reference to the effect of levodopa treatment. Preliminary report]

The nervous system has been demonstrated recently to play an important role in immunological processes. The effect of the dopaminergic system on the functions of the immune system is poorly known as yet. It is known that lymphocytes possess a binding site for 3H-spiperone. Certain immunological parameters were studied in patients with Parkinson's disease treated or not treated with levodopa, and in two control groups. In the patients the proportion of suppressor lymphocytes was increased, the ratio of helper to suppressor lymphocytes was lower, and the stimulation of peripheral blood lymphocytes by non-specific mitogens was reduced. These disturbances were similar to those observed during the ageing process, but were more pronounced. No significant effect of levodopa treatment was observed on these immunological parameters.