Differential immunologic effects of language-dominant and nondominant cerebral resections.
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate whether the cerebral hemispheres (language dominant versus nondominant) affect immune function differentially in humans by delineating the effects of resections for epilepsy surgery on T-cell indices.


BACKGROUND
Cerebral lateralization has been postulated to affect immunomodulation. Differential effects of left versus right cerebral lesions on T-cell numbers and responsiveness have been demonstrated in animals, but the effects in humans are unclear.


METHODS
Pre- and postoperative changes in T-cell indices were examined in relation to side of language dominance in patients undergoing epilepsy surgery.


RESULTS
Absolute lymphocyte count, total T cells (CD3+), helper T cells (CD3+4+), cytotoxic/suppressor cells (CD3+8+), and total suppressor cells (CD8+) were reduced after language-dominant resections, but were increased after nondominant resections.


CONCLUSIONS
Although the mechanisms are not fully elucidated, the results demonstrate differential immunologic responses in humans to focal cerebral lesions as a function of cerebral lateralization.
Meador
K J
KJ
Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA.
De Lecuona
J M
JM
Helman
S W
SW
Loring
D W
DW
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001921:Brain / Q000276:immunology* / Q000601:surgery*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000276:immunology / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*