title: Differential immunologic effects of language-dominant and nondominant cerebral resections.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912, USA.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Meador
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: De Lecuona
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Helman
authors.forename: D W
authors.initials: DW
authors.lastname: Loring
mesh_terms: 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*