Evaluation of immune complexes in patients with atopic dermatitis

To assess the possible role of circulating immune complexes [CIC] in the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis [AD], we investigated 43 cases and 22 normal controls by measuring CIC levels. Total Ig[E] and delayed cutaneous responses to Phytohemagglutinin [P] [PHA[P]] were also studied. A significant increase in CIC and Ig[E] levels and a decrease in PHA [P] skin responses in patients, were detected. Our results show that AD is underlined by a multifactorial immune reaction and that CIC may be one of the important factors in the immunopathogenesis of the disease