title: Effect of four i.v. induction agents on T-lymphocyte proliferations to PHA in vitro.
abstract: Anaesthetic agents are believed to have an adverse effect on human immunity. We have studied the effects of four i.v. induction agents, thiopentone, methohexitone, etomidate and propofol, on T-lymphocyte proliferations to phytohaemagglutinin in vitro. We found that at plasma concentrations similar to those obtained after induction doses, all drugs, with the exception of propofol, caused depression of T-lymphocyte function.
authors.affiliation: University Department of Anaesthetics, Queen's University, Belfast, N. Ireland.
authors.forename: E G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Devlin
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Clarke
authors.forename: R K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Mirakhur
authors.forename: T A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: McNeill
mesh_terms: D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003864:Depression, Chemical; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005045:Etomidate / Q000494:pharmacology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008723:Methohexital / Q000494:pharmacology; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000276:immunology; D015742:Propofol / Q000494:pharmacology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D013874:Thiopental / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D008723:Methohexital; D013874:Thiopental; D015742:Propofol; D005045:Etomidate