title: Immunological investigations in acute and chronic human pancreatitis.
abstract: Follow-up immunological studies in 27 patients with acute pancreatitis of known etiology showed a significant elevation in the level of circulating immune complexes (IC), a significant inhibition in migration of leukocytes (with direct LMT) of patients and a significant decrease in the percentage of T-active, T-total peripheral lymphocytes and in the absolute count of peripheral T cells. Elevated circulating IC levels could been detected 3-4 weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis. These immunological changes have still been demonstrated in a number of patients 7-14 months after recovery. We have found similar immunological alterations in patients with chronic pancreatitis as well. The possible causes and role of these long-term existing immunologic abnormalities are discussed.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D002464:Cell Migration Inhibition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex