Detection of thoracotomy-induced alterations in cell- and humoral-mediated immune response.
OBJECTIVE
It is well known that thoracotomy leads to several complications. In this study, effects of thoracotomy on cellular and humoral immunities have been investigated. Leukocyte counts and lymphocyte counts of 100 patients operated by thoracotomy have been determined preoperatively and on the postoperative 3rd hour, and 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th days. Also lymphocyte surface markers (CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8, CD19, CD16/56) and immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgA, IgM, IgE) in 40 out of 100 patients in the preoperative period and postoperatively twice on 7th day and then in the 3rd week have been detected.


METHODS
For the methodology hemocounter, flow cytometer, immunoprecipitation, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were used.


RESULTS
A marked increase in leukocyte count while a marked decrease in lymphocyte count has been observed after thoracotomy (P<0.001). There was not any significant alteration in levels of lymphocyte surface markers and immunoglobulins in the postoperative period (P>0.2).


CONCLUSIONS
According to these results, leucocytosis occurred but lymphocyte count decreased in the early postoperative period. Immunoglobulin levels and subpopulation of lymphocytes were not affected from the operative stress.
Isitmangil
Gulbu
G
Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey. gulbu@hotmail.com
Isitmangil
Turgut
T
Balkanli
Kunter
K
Cerrahoglu
Kamil
K
Kunter
Erdogan
E
D000328:Adult; D000917:Antibody Formation; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000276:immunology; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008297:Male; D011184:Postoperative Period; D013312:Stress, Physiological / Q000276:immunology*; D013908:Thoracotomy
D000954:Antigens, Surface; D007136:Immunoglobulins