Functional Activity Of Lymphocytes Research Articles

Age-related changes in the parameters of cellular immunity, the activity of intracellular lymphocyte dehydrogenases and functional activity of neutrophils in children with Gaucher disease

Age-related changes in the parameters of cellular immunity, the activity of intracellular lymphocyte dehydrogenases and functional activity of neutrophils in children with Gaucher disease

SPORTIVE STRESS AND ITS IMPACT ON THE IMMUNE STATE OF ATHLETES DEALING WITH FREESTYLE WRESTLING

The article is dedicated to the study of the effect of physical loads on the maintenance and functional activity of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood system of freestyle wrestlers in the dynamics of the training macrocycle. Because of the impact from physical loads, a decrease occurs in the content of lymphocytes and their functional activity is reduced. Those changes depend on the intensity of physical loads; they become maximal at the end of the competition period and minimal in the transition period. It may be assumed that the immune system plays a significant role in the adaptation of the body to significant physical loads. The results of the conducted study show that the characteristics of cellular immunity are formed in wrestlers already at an early stage of sports training. It happens partly because of the presence of static pathology, associated with the reaction to physical loads within the framework of the training process. An enhanced immunological examination of wrestlers with an assessment of the mitochondrial activity of the lymphocyte population enables us to evaluate the individual threshold level of physical loads, the excess of which leads to a disturbance of the immune metabolism. Therefore, the inclusion of an additional transitional period in the training macrocycle helps to a more complete recovery of the studied indicators.

Role of the cellular immunity in the formation of the immune response in coronavirus infections

The data obtained during previous epidemics caused by coronaviruses, and current pandemic indicate that assessing the role of certain immune interactions between these viruses and the microorganism is the main pre-requisite for development of diagnostic test systems as well as effective medical drugs and preventive measures. The review summarizes the results of studying patho– and immunogenesis of SARSCoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 infections. These coronaviruses were proven to suppress development of adaptive immune response at the stage of its induction, affecting the number and functional activity of lymphocytes, effectors of cellular immunity, causing impairment of lymphopoiesis, apoptosis and «depletion» of these cells, thus leading to longer duration of the disease and increased viral load. Information about the role of cellular immunity in development of immune response to coronaviruses is presented. It was proven that the causative agents of SARS, MERS and COVID-19 trigger adaptive immune response in the microorganism according to both humoral and cellular types. Moreover, the synthesis of specific immunoglobulins does not yet point to presence of protective immune response. Activation of the cellular link of immunity is also important. A high degree of antigenic epitope homology in SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 is described, thus suggesting an opportunity for cross-immunity to coronaviruses. The review addresses issues related to the terms of specific memory immune cells to SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, and their role in providing long-term protection against these infections. Given that specific antibodies to SARS and MERS pathogens persisted for a year, were often not detected or briefly registered in patients with mild and asymptomatic infections, we can talk about important role of the cellular immune response in providing immunity to these coronaviruses. It was shown that, in contrast to antibodies, the antigen-specific memory T cells were registered in patients with SARS virus for 4 to 11 years, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome – up to two years. Further research is needed to determine presence and number of memory T cells in COVID-19. A comparative analysis of data obtained during previous epidemics with respect to formation of adaptive immunity to coronaviruses. Description of proteins and epitopes recognized by human T lymphocytes will be useful in monitoring immune responses in COVID-19 patients, as well as in developing informative tests to study T cell immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and new preventive drugs.

Immunomodulatory Activity and Phytochemical Profile of Infusions from Cleavers Herb

Extracts from aerial parts of G. aparine (cleavers) constitute a herbal remedy with monography in British Herbal Pharmacopeia. On the European market, there are several drugs and food supplements consisting of Galium extracts. In folk medicine, cleavers was used topically in Europe, Asia, and the Americas to treat skin diseases. In several remedies, cleavers is also listed as an immunomodulatory active herb influencing the defense response of the human body. The aim of this study was to investigate the immunostimulatory activity and antioxidant potential in vitro of a raw infusion of cleavers and bioactive fractions. The functional activity of lymphocytes in the reaction of the lymphocyte blast transformation (RLBT) method was used for immunomodulatory activity assays and direct scavenging of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), nitric oxide (NO), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was chosen for the examination of antioxidant activity. It was shown that both the raw extract and fractions show significant immunostimulatory and scavenging activities. The obtained data partially justify the traditional use of cleavers as topical remedy for skin infections and for wounds.

Нейроімунологія стресової вагітності

Nowadays, almost every woman is at high risk because of stress during pregnancy, but their nature, intensity, duration of exposure are different for each woman. Extremely high-risk groups are pregnant women living in conditions of military aggression, social and humanitarian crises. The period of reactive adaptation to stress in them is rapidly changing maladaptation. This is due to neuro-immunological mechanisms, which are further implemented in the complicated pregnancy and childbirth. The objective: is to establish the stressors effects on the function of the immune system of pregnant women and their possible role in the occurrence of complications of gestation. Materials and methods. To achieve this goal, we surveyed 78 pregnant women in the third trimester of pregnancy. They were divided into 2 groups: 1 group (main) – 42 pregnant women, displaced from Lugansk and Donetsk regions, 2 group – 36 pregnant women with physiological pregnancy. General clinical studies, psychological testing (Spielberger–Hanin scale) and immunological studies: population and subpopulation composition of blood lymphocytes using the method of indirect immunofluorescence using monoclonal antibodies CD3+, CD4+, CD4+, CD8+, CD8+ CD20 + and CD16 +, study of lymphocyte functional activity and determination of CIC were conducted. Results. Total lymphopenia and significant increase in the level of circulating immune complexes (CIC) were found in pregnant women of the 1 group (forcibly displaced). This indicates a state of marked suppression of immunity (lymphopenia), complicated pregnancy, susceptibility to infectious-inflammatory processes, severe course and prolonged convalescence. The number of lymphocytes was within the normative parameters in pregnant women of the second group. Activation of the number of T cells (CD4+, CD8+, CD16+), as well as their functional activity (RBTL) were found. Which points at the activation of the T-cells immunity type. Conclusions. The results of the study prove the immunosuppressive role of psychosocial factors in internally displaced women and the presence of stress-induced decompensation of the psychoneuroendocrine system in them. Keywords: psychoneuroimmunology, pregnancy, anxiety, women–forcibly displaced, stress.

Association of Interleukin 7 Immunotherapy With Lymphocyte Counts Among Patients With Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Cytokine storm–mediated organ injury continues to dominate current thinking as the primary mechanism for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although there is an initial hyper-inflammatory phase, mounting evidence suggests that virus-induced defective host immunity may be the real cause of death in many patients.1,2 COVID-19 has been called a serial lymphocyte killer because profound and protracted lymphopenia is a near uniform finding among patients with severe COVID-19 and correlates with morbidity and mortality.1,3 Autopsies demonstrate a devastating depletion of lymphocytes in the spleen and other organs.2 CD4, CD8, and natural killer cells, which play important antiviral roles, are depleted and have reduced function, leading to immune collapse.1 Clinical and pathological findings in patients with COVID-19 indicate that immunosuppression is a critical determinant of outcomes. Secondary hospital-acquired infections occur in 50% of patients who die.1 Cell inclusion bodies, consistent with viral persistence, have been found in lungs, kidneys, and other organs.1,2 Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)–specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction has revealed viral load in the lungs of most patients at autopsy, consistent with an inability to eliminate the pathogen.1,2 Collectively, these studies indicate that impaired immune competence is an important pathogenic mechanism in COVID-19. Interleukin 7 (IL-7) is a pleiotropic cytokine essential for lymphocyte survival and expansion.4,5 Administration of IL-7 invariably increases circulating and tissue lymphocytes and has been administered to more than 450 patients with an excellent safety profile.4,5 IL-7 is currently in multiple randomized clinical trials for oncologic and infectious disorders, and a trial in the United Kingdom is evaluating its use among patients with severe COVID-19. Importantly, IL-7 has documented efficacy as an antiviral agent.4,5 IL-7 therapy has been shown to restore lymphocyte counts and functional activity, leading to decreased viral load and clinical improvement in several life-threating viral infections.4,5 It has been shown to increase CD4 and CD8 T-cells 3-fold, to improve T-cell activation, to not increase proinflammatory cytokines, and to be well tolerated in patients with bacterial sepsis.6 Thus, a compelling scientific rationale exists for examining whether IL-7 is associated with restored host protective immunity in patients with COVID-19 and immunosuppression and improve outcomes.1

Age-related features of the pattern of lymphocyte subpopulations and functional activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with chronic kidney disease before and after transplantation

Objective : to analyze the features of the pattern of lymphocyte subpopulations and the functional activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in older adult patients with chronic kidney disease. Materials and methods . The study featured 21 patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), over 55 years of age, who underwent kidney transplantation (KT) from unrelated suboptimal donors. The average age was 61.4 ± 4.5 years (55 to 69). Comorbidity was assessed using the CIRS-G scale; the average number of points was 13.6 ± 5.09. The control group consisted of 21 volunteers, aged 55–70, without acute inflammatory diseases and signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The average age was 61.1 ± 4.4 years, the average CIRS-G score was 12.11 ± 6.04. In all patients, the pattern of lymphocyte subpopulations of peripheral blood was evaluated by flow cytometry. Vital computer laser cytomorphometry was used to assess the functional state of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The Functional Activities Index (FAI) was evaluated to indirectly assess the degree of functional activity of cells. Results . In CKD patients before KT, there was a decrease in the proportion of CD4 cells (p = 0.009), an increase in the proportion of CD8 cells (p = 0.02), a decrease in the CD4/CD8 ratio (p = 0.017), an increase in the proportion of natural killers (p = 0.025) compared with healthy volunteers. Moreover, a decrease in the total proportion of CD3 cells, an increase in HLA-DR expression on CD3 cells, and an increase in the proportion of B cells were statistically insignificant: p = 0.137, p = 0.072 and p = 0.135, respectively. On the fifth day after KT, the proportion of CD3 cells increased (p = 0.017) mainly due to an increase in the proportion of CD4 cells (p = 0.002) compared to the pre- KT index. The proportion of natural killers (p = 0.002) and HLA-DR expression on CD3 cells (p < 0.0001) also increased. An increase in the proportion of CD8 cells and in the CD4/CD8 ratio, and a decrease in the proportion of B cells were statistically insignificant: p = 0.439, p = 0.277, and p = 0.236, respectively. A decrease in FAI was noted in patients with CKD before KT in comparison with healthy volunteers (p = 0.0138). After ATP, this indicator significantly increased compared to the pre-KT value (p < 0.0001) and exceeded the FAI value in healthy volunteers (p < 0.0001). In healthy volunteers, there was no significant correlation between the functional activity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and age (r = –0.263 [95% CI –0.6236; 0.1907], p = 0.264, r2 = 0.069). At the same time, significant negative correlation between FAI and age was noted in CKD patients: r = –0.52 [95% CI –0.7771; –0.1135], p = 0.0157, r2 = 0.27 before KT; r = –0.418 [95% CI –0.7559; –0.06256], p = 0.0272, r2 = 0.175 after KT. Conclusion . Older adult CKD patients before and after KT were likely to have significant changes in the morphofunctional state of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and pattern of lymphocyte subpopulations. Moreover, the severity of changes in the functional state of these cells had a strong correlation with age, which was not observed in the group of healthy volunteers. This should be considered when choosing immunosuppressive therapy in older kidney transplant recipients.

Патоморфологическая и иммуногистохимическая характеристика изменений лимфатических узлов у умерших от COVID-19 по данным аутопсий

Introduction. The pathogenesis of the novel coronavirus infection COVID-19 is being actively studied. Nevertheless, our up-to-date knowledge of lymphoid tissue response in the secondary immune organs dur-ing severe COVID-19 remains extremely limited. The aim of the study was to evaluate patterns of immu-nomorphological alterations in lymph nodes in patients with severe COVID-19 and to assess lymphocytes functional activity in them. Materials and methods. Lymph node tissue (autopsy material) from 17 deceased patients with severe COVID-19 was examined by histological and immunohistochemical methods using antibodies to CD4, CD8, CD20, CD30, CD123, CD138, PD-1. Results. Examined lymph nodes demonstrated lymphoid follicles reduction and paracortex expansion with reactive plasmacytosis and extrafollicular B-cell activation as well as sinus histiocytosis, variable hemophago-cytic cells, and blood vessel congestion. Red thrombi were observed in some lymph nodes. Hemorrhages in the stroma were frequent, and massive hemorrhages were found in individual nodes. Immunohistochemical study revealed CD4+ T-helpers predominance in the paracortex andcytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes depletion together with an increase in the expression of both the PD-1 suppressor protein and the CD30 activation anti-gen on the lymphocyte surface. CD123-positive plasmacytoid dendritic cells resided in sinuses in abundance. Conclusion. Demonstrated B-associated zone reduction and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes depletion with an up-regulation of PD-1 expression in the lymph nodes in patients with severe COVID-19 indicate immune response exhaustion. At the same time, observed significant reactive plasmacytosis with the presence of numerous T-helper cells constitutes a morphological substrate of the humoral immunity. These findings might indicate the ineffec-tiveness of the humoral response at late stages of COVID-19 infection in context of cytotoxic immunity failure. Keywords: novel coronavirus infection, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, B- and T- immune response, lymph node

Argemone oil, an edible oil adulterant, induces systemic immunosuppression in Balb/c mice in an oral 28 days repeated dose toxicity study

Consumption of edible oils contaminated with Argemone oil (AO) leads to a clinical condition called “Epidemic dropsy”. Earlier studies have reported that metabolism and oxidative stress primarily contributes to AO toxicity, however, the involvement of immune system has not been assessed so far. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to systematically assess the effect of AO exposure on the function of immune system in Balb/c mice. The repeated exposure of AO for 28 days caused prominent regression of spleen and thymus; severe inflammatory changes in spleen depicted by the loss of distinct follicles, increased megakaryocyte infiltration, and enhanced expression levels of inflammatory markers (iNOS & COX-2). At the functional level, AO exposure significantly abrogated the mixed lymphocyte reaction and mitogen-stimulated lymphoproliferative activity of T and B cells, which is reflective of profound lymphocyte dysfunction upon antigen exposure. In concordance with the loss in functional activity of lymphocytes in AO exposed animals, it was found the AO altered the relative percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD28 + T cells. Further, there was a marked decrease in the relative distribution of cells with prominent MHC I and CD1d expression in AO exposed splenocytes. Moreover, reduced levels of immune stimulatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-4, and IL-6), and increased levels of immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10 were detected in the serum of AO treated mice. Along with T and B cells, AO exposure also affected the phenotype and activation status of macrophages suggesting the inclination towards “alternative activation of macrophages”. Altogether, these functional changes in the immune cells are contributing factors in AO induced immunosuppression.

Morphofunctional Characteristics of Human Lymphocytes after In Vitro Activation

We describe a method of activation of lymphocytes isolated from the peripheral blood of patients with cutaneous melanoma and cultured in serum-free medium in the presence of IL-2 and IL-15. Viability, proliferative, cytotoxic, and functional activities of lymphocytes are evaluated. The lymphocytes actively proliferated in this nutrient medium and can be activated in vitro. The method for obtaining sufficient amount of activated lymphocytes can be recommended for adoptive cell immunotherapy of cancer patients.

The functional activity of lymphocytes in the spleen and peripheral blood in association with the toxic effect of household gas

The objective of the present work was to study the population composition and functional activity of lymphocytes in the spleen and peripheral blood of the rats exposed experimentally to the toxic effect of household gas. The study included the morphofunctional examination of the state of the immune organs and the immunological investigation of the population composition and functional activity of lymphocytes from the peripheral blood of the experimental animals. We also evaluated the activity of nucleic acids, NADH2-dehydrogenase, and 5'-nucleotidase. The study revealed the relationship between the pathological and histochemical changes and the shifts in the population composition and functional activity of lymphocytes in the spleen and peripheral blood of the rats. Specifically, the action of household gas induced by the profound inhibition of the proliferative activity of the lymphocytes, enhanced the suppressive activity of the immunoregulatory cells (T-suppressors), and altered the population composition of the effector cells in the spleen and peripheral blood. It is concluded that the impairment of the functional activity of T-lymphocytes under the influence of household gas should be attributed not only to its direct toxic action but also to the increased activity of T-suppressors.

C60 fullerene affects elastic properties and osmoregulation reactions of human lymphocytes.

The influence of aqueous solution of pristine C60 fullerene (C60FAS) on functional activity of lymphocytes from a healthy person was studied for the first time. By means of atomic force microscopy, it was found that C60FAS in a concentration of 0.1 mg/ml increases the stiffness of the lymphocyte membrane by 41% (p < 0.05) and lowers the functional activity of the plasmalemma surface, thereby constraining the use of its membrane material in physiological reactions using a hypotonic model in vitro. However, a cell retains the ability to regulate its volume and demonstrates relative resistance to hypo-osmotic stress. The resistance of lymphocytes in hypo-osmotic medium is facilitated by activation of the nucleus by C60 fullerene particles, which regulates the implementation of two consistent phases of an increase and decrease of cell volume, thereby retaining cell viability. All these indicate the impact of C60 fullerene on the cellular nucleus.

Fluorescent biomarker ABM: properties and estimation of immune state of patients with different pathologies

Patients with cancer (namely advanced cancer) exhibit poorly functionating immune system. It is now widely accepted that dynamics of changes, along the certain types of alterations in structures of lipid/protein themselves of immune system cells and blood plasma, plays a critical role in the maintenance of the immune status of organism. Biomarkers for prediction of disease outcome are of great interest in human medicine. The fluorescent probe ABM was used to characterize lymphocyte membranes and blood plasma albumin of cancer patients suffering from advanced cancer with wide metastasis and intoxication. The aim of these studies was to evaluate the potential applicability of ABM fluorescence measures as a standard tool in the analyses of host immune status and for a clinical interpretation of alterations in albumin per se and in lymphocyte functional activity in cancer patients receiving palliative care. We registered probe ABM spectral parameters in patients lymphocytes, blood plasma, and ABM auto-fluorescence in plasma. The fluorescence intensity of ABM in blood plasma and lymphocyte suspension differed from control values and showed specific differences in patient groups in accordance (correlation) with survival rate. A significant decrease in ABM fluorescence in plasma could be explained, in part, by a diminished binding capacity of the albumin of these patients. The lymphocyte distribution among the subsets of patients also differed. Interestingly, the ABM fluorescence in the cell suspension and blood plasma was also found to correlate with select immunological parameters (CD4+/CD8+ ratios, lymphocyte counts, etc). Results strongly correlated with changes in ABM spectral characteristics and both clinical and pathological estimates of patient immune state. ABM spectroscopy appears to be useful for clinicians to monitor the course of certain diseases (e.g. gastrointestinal cancers).

The role disorders at system of cytokines in pathogenesis of Helicobacter pilory-associated pathology

Fifty five Khakas people with Helicobacter pylori-associated ulcer disease and chronic gastritis were examined in order to estimate the production of IL-2, IL-4, and IL-10 interleukins in patients with chronic Helicobacter pylori persistence. The subpopulation composition of lymphocytes of peripheral blood was determined by the method of flow-through cytofluorometry. Apoptosis was estimated by the method of optical microscopy. The IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 production in supernatants was determined by the solidphase immunoenzymometric method. Changes revealed in the blood of patients infected with Helicobacter pylori were characterized by the increased amount and subpopulation disbalance of lymphocytes, apoptosis modification, and depletion of lymphocyte functional activity.

Leukocytic responses and intestinal mucin dynamics of broilers protected with Enterococcus faecium EF55 and challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis

The protective effect of Enterococcus faecium EF55 in chickens challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis phage type 4 (SE PT4) was assessed. The antibacterial effect on the bacterial microflora in the small intestine in relation to white blood cell count, phenotyping of peripheral blood and intestinal lymphocytes, functional activity of lymphocytes and phagocytes and mucin quantitation were investigated. Day-old chicks (85) were randomly divided into four groups. The probiotic group (EF) and Salmonella+probiotic group (EFSE) received E. faecium EF55 (109 CFU – 3g/group/day) for 21days. The Salmonella group (SE) and EFSE group were infected with Salmonella Enteritidis (108 CFU in 0.2ml PBS) in a single dose per os on day four of the experiment. The control group chicks (C) were fed a commercial diet without added bacteria. Supplementation of EF55 in the diet of the chickens in the EFSE group, challenged with S. Enteritidis, caused the density of the intestinal mucin layer to increase significantly in non-specific regions (duodenum and jejunum), but decrease significantly in target regions (caeca) for S. Enteritidis. Probiotic treatment also appeared to result in a significantly higher number of lymphocytes in peripheral blood and a tendency to increase CD3, CD4, CD8, and IgM positive cells 3days post-infection with S. Enteritidis. The results demonstrated an antibacterial effect and suggested that EF55 had a moderating effect on intestinal mucin production and leukocytic response in the early phase of S. Enteritidis infection.

Differences in lymphocyte subpopulation count and function in cord, maternal and adult blood.

Phenotypical characterization and functional activity of lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in cord blood (CB) were investigated, and maternal peripheral blood (MPB) values were compared to those of adult peripheral blood (APB) (control). To determine cytotoxic activity target cells (K562) were labeled with carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA) or fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), and propidium iodide (PI) was used to label dead cells. Cell surface expression in CB, APB, and MPB cells were analyzed using flow cytometry. CB and MPB mononuclear cells had similar CD45, CD34, CD4, and surface molecule for T helper cell expression, but had low-level expression of total T-lymphocyte surface molecules CD3 and CD8. CD19 and HLA-DR expression was higher in CB than in MPB. The same high-level of expression for CD19 and HLA-DR was observed in APB, as compared to MPB. All other cell surface expressions were similar in APB and MPB samples. NK (CD16+ and CD56+) cells in CB was similar to that in MPB and APB, and the level of inhibitory KIR receptors in NK cells was higher in venous CB than in MPB and APB. The only difference between MPB and APB was that the CD158a level was higher in MPB. No difference was observed in NK cells in CB and MPB, in terms of cytotoxicity. The present results show that there was numerical and proportional variability of lymphocytes and their subgroups in CB and APB, but no cytological difference.

Correlation of altered blood albumin characteristics and lymphocyte populations to tumor stage in gastrointestinal cancer patients

The fluorescent probe ABM was used to characterize lymphocyte membranes and blood plasma albumin from cancer patients suffering from colorectal cancer or gastric cancers at Stages II-IV. The aim of these studies was to evaluate the potential utility of measures of ABM fluorescence intensity as a standard tool in the analyses of host immune status and for a clinical interpretation of alterations in albumin per se and lymphocyte functional activity in cancer patients. The fluorescence intensity of ABM in the blood plasma decreased from control values and showed specific differences in each of the differing patients groups; these changes corresponded to cancer stage. The significant decrease in ABM fluorescence in the plasma could be explained, in part, by a diminished binding capacity of the albumin of these patients. The lymphocyte distribution among the subsets of patients also differed. Interestingly, the ABM fluorescence in the cell suspension and blood plasma was also found to correlate with select immunological parameters (CD4(+):CD8(+) ratios, lymphocyte counts, etc.) in the patients. These results obtained here showed that there was a strong agreement between changes in ABM spectral characteristics and both clinical and pathological estimates of disease (i.e., gastrointestinal cancers) severity. Thus, the use of ABM spectroscopy appears to be another tool that might be of some used by clinicians to monitor the course of certain diseases, such as gastrointestinal cancers.

Influence of oregano and salvia extracts on lymphocyte subpopulation and functional activity of blood phagocytes and lymphocytes in chickens

Supplementation of oregano and sage extracts into the feed of experimental chickens a caused significant increase of mitogen-activated lymphocyte proliferation on the seventh week of feeding. On the other hand, fed diet supplemented with both extracts did not change number of CD3, CD4, CD8, IgM and IgG positive peripheral blood cells examined by flow cytometry. Similarly, no significant changes have been found in values, demonstrating the functional activity of phagocytes like phagocytic activity, the index of phagocytic activity and index of metabolic burst. Level of plasma immunoglobulins was and temporary on Week 4 of feeding, significantly decreased in chickens treated with oregano extract only. Lower levels of plasma immunoglobulin suggest a connection with antibacterial effect of carvacrol. Results showed no pro-inflammatory effects in studied parameters of systemic immune response. On the other hand, lymphocyte stimulation in vitro suggest a higher immune defence ability.

Effects of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies on functional activity of lymphocytes: studies in vivo and in vitro.

Lymphocyte functional activity was tested in 38 renal transplant recipients receiving induction treatment with various anti-CD3 MoAbs, i.e. OKT3, T3.G2a (an IgG2a anti-CD3 MoAb) or T3.A (an IgA anti-CD3 MoAb of the same idiotype). During treatment with OKT3 and T3.G2a, lymphocyte response to phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA), as determined with the use of a whole-blood lymphocyte culture technique, decreased significantly. However, during treatment with T3.A PHA response was not affected. Using a conventional lymphocyte culture technique, PHA response was unchanged during treatment with all three MoAbs, indicating that the immunosuppressive effect of OKT3 and T3.G2a is probably dependent upon the presence of MoAb in culture medium and is reversible. In addition, we tested in vitro inhibition of aspecific mitogen- or antigen-induced lymphocyte stimulation by OKT3, T3.A and T3.G2a. It appeared that at low concentrations (< 25 ng/ml) T3.G2a and OKT3 exerted a stronger immunosuppressive effect than T3.A. However, at higher concentrations T3.A, OKT3 and T3.G2a were equally immunosuppressive. We conclude that the immunosuppressive effect of T3.A is caused by blindfolding. At low concentrations T3.G2a exerts its immunosuppressive effect mainly through modulation of the CD3 and/or T cell receptor complex, as a result of interaction with Fc receptors on monocytes. At higher concentrations blindfolding of the CD3/T cell receptor complex may contribute to immunosuppression.

Fluorescent Probe ABM for Screening Gastrointestinal Patient’s Immune State

The fluorescent probe-aminoderivative of benzanthrone, ABM (developed at Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia) was used to characterize the membranes of lymphocytes of cancer patients: 46 patients with gastrointestinal diseases, 13 patients having different primary localizations with massive metastases and intoxication. Patients were divided into three groups: (1) with decreased fluorescence intensity, (2) normal fluorescence intensity, (3) increased fluorescence intensity. The lymphocytes distribution among subsets differed between groups, in correspondence to the level of fluorescence intensity. Surgical treatment affected the main immunological parameters and elevated the functional activity of lymphocytes. In the advanced tumors group, fluorescence intensity correlates with the survival rate. Results suggest that determination of lymphocytes functional activity by ABM can aid evaluation of the immune status in cancer patients.