Immunological imbalance in uncomplicated chronic alcoholism.
The lymphocyte response to unspecific mitogenic lectins and the frequency of the lymphocytary populations and two subpopulations (DR- and Fc gamma-positive T-cells) as well as the serum immunoglobulin levels were tested. Blood samples were drawn from 15 volunteers with chronic alcoholism, an no clinical detectable correlated diseases and from 8 healthy subjects as controls. An activation of the immune system was found, characterized by an increase of T lymphocytes, DR-positive T-cells, IgA and IgG. Aspects of this activation are discussed.
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000276:immunology*; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007141:Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments / Q000276:immunology; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008934:Mitogens / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D007141:Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008934:Mitogens