Cerebral lateralization may be important in neural control of immune function. Animal studies have demonstrated differential effects of left and right brain lesions on immune function, but human studies are inconclusive. Here, we show that resections in the language dominant hemisphere of patients with epilepsy reduce lymphocytes, total T cells, and helper T cells. In contrast, resections in the language nondominant hemisphere increased the same cellular elements. T-cell responses to mitogens and microbial antigens were not differentially affected. Left/right arm histamine skin response ratios were altered in patients with left cerebral epileptic focus, and flare skin responses were reduced by left cerebral resections in contrast with an increase after right cerebral resections. The findings demonstrate a differential role of the left and right cerebral hemispheres on immune functions in humans.

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Several reports have found conflicting data regarding the association between lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA) and HLA types. Association with HLA-A31 and -B40 has been noted, whereas another report found no correlation. We are the first to specifically examine HLA types in white patients in the United States. We have found a significant association between LSA and HLA-A29 and -B44 individually and an even stronger association with the combination of A29 and B44. A review of previous LSA-HLA studies, as well as several reports of HLA typing in familial LSA, is discussed, with consideration given to possible reasons for the discrepancies among the various studies.

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