Alterations in lymphocyte function and relation to phospholipid composition after burn injury in humans.
OBJECTIVE
Lymphocyte functions are dependent on fatty acid composition of membranes, and impaired functions can predispose patients to infection after burn injury. The current study was designed to describe changes in lymphocyte-phospholipid composition and lymphocyte-related immune functions from early to late recovery time points after burn injury.


METHODS
Prospective observational.


METHODS
Firefighter's Burn Treatment Center, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.


METHODS
Subjects (n = 10) with >10% total body surface burn area.


RESULTS
Blood was drawn from subjects at specific time points (0 days to >50 days) after burn injury. Fatty acid composition of the major phospholipid classes of isolated lymphocytes was determined by using gas liquid chromatography. Lymphocyte phenotypes and proliferation ([(3)H]-thymidine uptake and interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma production) in response to mitogens were determined. Lymphocyte phospholipid 20:4n-6 content was 30% to 60% lower early compared with late postburn time points (p <.001). Interferon-gamma production by stimulated cells was found to negatively correlate with n-3 content (r =.7, p =.008). The expression of CD25 on antigen-mature CD8+ cells was associated with higher proliferative responses (r =.88, p <.004). Proportion of CD8+ cells was lower, and the proportion of activated monocytes was higher early compared with late postburn (p <.05). Natural killer cell cytotoxicity was low early after burn and increased with recovery.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this preliminary study suggest that immune activation occurs between the second and third week after burn injury, which is associated with changes in 20:4n-6 and n-3 fatty acid content of lymphocyte phospholipid. This study suggests that there is release or impaired synthesis of 20:4n-6 early after burn injury that may be related to functional changes in immune cells.
Pratt
Vera C
VC
Department of Agricultural, Food, and Nutritional Science, University of Alberta, Ed-monton, Alberta, Canada.
Tredget
Edward E
EE
Clandinin
M Thomas
MT
Field
Catherine J
CJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D001773:Blood Cells / Q000276:immunology; D002056:Burns / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D002170:Canada; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000276:immunology; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic / Q000276:immunology; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use
D015703:Antigens, CD; D016207:Cytokines; D010743:Phospholipids; D017962:alpha-Linolenic Acid