title: Changes in T-lymphocyte subsets after elective surgery.
abstract: In seven patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy or vagotomy, helper and suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells were quantified by use of monoclonal antibodies (OKT) preoperatively and on postoperative days 2 and 7. The total number and percentage distribution of T-cells (OKT 3) did not change significantly in the study period and the total number of helper T-cells (OKT 4) was similar in the three tests, but the number of suppressor/cytotoxic T-cells (OKT 8) on postoperative days 2 and 7 showed significant rise from the preoperative value. Consequently, significant decrease in OKT 4/8 ratio was found 2 days (1.47 +/- 0.23) and 7 days (1.80 +/- 0.28) postoperatively, as compared with the preoperative ratio (2.85 +/- 0.44). Since reduced ratio of OKT 4/8 has been shown in disorders associated with diminished immunocompetence, our findings may be related to the increased susceptibility to bacterial infections seen in post-surgery patients.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D002763:Cholecystectomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000032:analysis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000032:analysis; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000032:analysis*; D014628:Vagotomy