Influence of thymopentin on antibody response, and monocyte and T cell function in hemodialysis patients who fail to respond to hepatitis B vaccination.
We investigated the influence of thymopentin as an adjuvant for hepatitis B vaccination on in vitro monocyte and T cell function and in vivo antibody response in a prospective, placebo-controlled double-blind trial in 20 low- and nonresponders to hepatitis B vaccination on chronic hemodialysis. 50 mg thymopentin was given subcutaneously twice per week for 3 weeks, followed by 1 intramuscular injection of 40 micrograms HB-Vax and 3 subsequent injections of thymopentin. After 1 month, the patients were boostered with 40 micrograms HB-Vax. There was no significant difference in T cell and monocyte function after administration of thymopentin, as determined in vitro. After 3 months, 3 patients in the placebo and 2 patients in the thymopentin group had antibody titers greater than 10 U/l. In both groups only patients with normal or slightly impaired monocyte function responded to vaccination. Thus, we were not able to demonstrate a beneficial effect of thymopentin on hepatitis B vaccination in nonresponders on chronic hemodialysis. Furthermore, functional tests were not able to identify a subpopulation of uremic nonresponders who would benefit from thymopentin.
I. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, BRD.
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Dumann
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Meuer
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Renschin
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Köhler
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D016305:Thymopentin; D013946:Thymopoietins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013951:Thymus Hormones / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D006510:Hepatitis B Antibodies; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D013946:Thymopoietins; D013951:Thymus Hormones; D014761:Viral Hepatitis Vaccines; D016305:Thymopentin