Effect on peripheral blood natural killer cytotoxic cell activity in rats after intraperitoneal implantation of double veloured polyester (Dacron) prosthesis.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the changes affecting natural killer cytotoxic cell (NKCC) activity following intraperitoneal implantation of a double veloured polyester prosthesis in a rat model.


METHODS
Blood samples were taken by cardiac puncture 1 h before (base line) and 14, 28, 100 and 180 days post-implantation. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were separated from heparinized blood by density centrifugation. A standard, 4 h (51)Cr-release assay against YAC-1 target cells at effector to target ratios of 12:1; 25:1 and 50:1 was performed and the number of total leukocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, monocytes, and large granular lymphocytes (LGLs), as well as serum corticosterone levels (radioimmunoassay method) were determined.


RESULTS
Comparative analysis of the results obtained from animals with implants, baseline samples, and a control group (laparotomy only) revealed lower NKCC, LGL, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts and elevated plasma corticosterone levels in animals receiving the implant on the 14th day post-implantation.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings indicate that the polyester implant can transiently modulate immune system activities. Since NK cells are important in the control of viral infection and carcinogenesis in humans, it is possible that the stress generated by polyester prostheses can exacerbate the surgical stress and put patients at a higher risk for viral infection and/or metastases.
Jurkowski
Marek K
MK
Department of Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University of Medical Sciences, Bydgoszcz, Poland. marjur51@poczta.onet.pl
Bobek-Billewicz
Barbara
B
Cwiklińska-Jurkowska
Małgorzata
M
Jurkowski
Piotr
P
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000097:blood; D003602:Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D010537:Peritoneum / Q000276:immunology; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D003345:Corticosterone