Immune function in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between the balance of T-helper (Th)1 and Th2 cytokines, and the numbers of CD4+ T and CD8+ T-cells, and was investigated, together with the plasma concentration of the antigen, an apoptosis marker, in patients with mild and acute pancreatitis (AP).

METHODS:

Plasma concentrations of soluble (s) CD4, sCD8, sIL-2-R, IL-12, IFN-gamma and sFas antigen were measured by ELISA, and CD4+ T, and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts were measured by flow cytometry.

RESULTS:

Both CD4+ T and CD8+ T-cells were reduced in number; in the severe cases the reduction in the former was more pronounced. A significant positive correlation was noted among the concentrations of sCD4, sIL-2-R and IL-12, and a significant positive correlation was also found between sCD4 and sFas. During the early stage of AP, the concentrations of sCD4, sCD8, sIL-2-R, IL-12 and IFN-gamma increased more in the severe cases compared with those who had milder symptoms; however, these increases were moderated during the clinical course.

CONCLUSION:

We considered that these Th1 type CD4+ T cells probably induce the activation of macrophages and further pro-inflammatory reactions during the early stage of AP, as well as exerting direct cytotoxicity effects through Fas/Fas ligand expression.

• Authors: Soichiro Uehara, Katsuhiro Gothoh, Hiroshi Handa, Hiroshi Tomita, Yoshimura Tomita
• Journal: Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (J Gastroenterol Hepatol) Vol. 18 Issue 4 Pg. 363-70 (Apr 2003) ISSN: 0815-9319 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 12653883 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright 2003 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd

Chemical References

• Adjuvants, Immunologic
• Antineoplastic Agents
• CD4 Antigens
• CD8 Antigens
• Receptors, Interleukin-2
• fas Receptor
• Interleukin-12
• Interferon-gamma

Topics

• Acute Disease
• Adjuvants, Immunologic (blood)
• Adult
• Aged
• Antineoplastic Agents (blood)
• CD4 Antigens (blood)
• CD4-CD8 Ratio
• CD8 Antigens (blood)
• Female
• Humans
• Immunity, Cellular (immunology)
• Interferon-gamma (blood)
• Interleukin-12 (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pancreatitis (blood, immunology)
• Receptors, Interleukin-2 (blood)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Th1 Cells (immunology)
• Th2 Cells (immunology)
• fas Receptor (blood)