title: [Disorders of B cell activation in splenectomized patients].
abstract: Using a reverse hemolytic plaque assay as the effector system, we studied in vitro B-lymphocyte function in 12 patients after posttraumatic splenectomy as well as in 25 normal individuals. The time interval between the splenectomy and the immunological studies varied between 2 days and 7 years. Compared to normal individuals, the splenectomized patients had markedly elevated numbers of spontaneous immunoglobulin-secreting cells and severely decreased responses to the polyclonal activator pokeweed mitogen, indicating an in vivo polyclonal B-cell activation. A tendency towards normalization of these abnormalities, especially the high spontaneous ISC levels, could be observed during the time interval extending up to 7 years after splenectomy. In order to characterize the mechanism responsible for the altered immune response in splenectomized patients, in vitro experiments were performed with separated lymphocytes. These revealed an impaired T-helper cell capacity as well as an intrinsic B-cell defect. Marker analysis with monoclonal antibodies revealed normal proportions with the exception of OKT 4 positive and B 1 positive cells that identify T-helper/inducer and peripheral B-cells, respectively. We conclude that immune dysfunction in peripheral blood lymphocytes of splenectomized patients involves mainly the OKT 4 positive cell population.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000917:Antibody Formation; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology*; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D018805:Sepsis / Q000276:immunology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000293:injuries; D013156:Splenectomy; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology; D050378:T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / Q000276:immunology
vernacular_title: Störungen der B-Zellaktivierung bei splenektomierten Patienten.