CD28／CD152：CD80／CD86分子在强直性脊柱炎患者外周血淋巴细胞上的表达

目的探讨共刺激分子CD28／CD152：CD80／CD86在强直性脊柱炎（AS）患者外周血淋巴细胞上的表达及与免疫功能的关系。方法流式细胞仪检测AS患者及健康体检者T细胞表面标志CD3、CD4、CD8、CD19的表达及CD28／CD152和CD80／CD86在外周血T、B淋巴细胞上的表达水平；采用速率散射比浊法、酶联免疫吸附试验（ELISA）测定血清中免疫球蛋白IgG、IgA、IgM及C-反应蛋白（CRP）和白细胞介素-6（IL-6）水平。结果CD3^＋CD4^＋T细胞及CD4^＋／CD8^＋比值明显高于健康对照组（P〈0．05），而CD3^＋CD8^＋T细胞则明显低于健康对照组（P〈0．05）；CD4^＋和CD8^_T细胞上CD28和CD19^＋B细胞上CD80、CD86的表达均较健康对照组增高（P〈0．05），而CD152在CD4^＋T淋巴细胞上的表达也比健康对照组显著增加，但在CD8%＋T淋巴细胞上的表达却显著降低（P〈0.05）；血清IgG、IgA及CRP、IL-6水平均较健康对照组显著增高（P〈0．05）。结论AS患者外周血淋巴细胞CD28／CD152：CD80／CD86分子的异常表达与其免疫功能紊乱有密切关系。     

Establishment of an immunoglobulin A-deficient blood donor registry with a simple in-house screening enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

BACKGROUND: Transfusion of blood products to immunoglobulin A (IgA)-deficient patients who have developed IgA antibodies can result in serious adverse reactions. To prepare compatible blood components for these patients, blood centers usually maintain a list of IgA-deficient blood donors. An in-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to identify new IgA-deficient blood donors. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: An in-house ELISA was used to screen blood samples. IgA-deficient samples, defined as an IgA level below 0.05 mg per dL, were sent to the American Red Cross for confirmatory testing. RESULTS: Seventy-three confirmed IgA-deficient blood donors were identified among 38,759 screened blood donor samples (frequency, 1:531). IgA antibodies were found in 39 of these 73 blood donors (53%), although only 9 donors had a history of adult IgA exposure (transfusion or pregnancy). CONCLUSIONS: With a simple in-house ELISA, 73 blood donors were identified as IgA-deficient. From this number, 34 donors, without detectable anti-IgA in their plasma, were added to our IgA-deficient blood donor panel to maximize the management of our inventory of IgA-deficient frozen blood components.     

Study of lymphocyte subpopulations and the expression of activation markers in diabetes mellitus types 1 and 2

Diabetic patients with the disease duration less than 1 year (group 1 eight patients with diabetes mellitus type I and group 2 seven patients with diabetes mellitus type II) and 8 healthy donors were examined for subpopulations of lymphocytes (CD 3-, CD 4-, CD 8-, CD 20-positive cells, CD4/CD8), expression of activation markers on peripheral blood mononuclears investigated with monoclonal antibodies of BMA and OKT series, and serum neopterin concentration. Group I patients had low CD4/CD8 and increased number of CD 8 cells, 1a/DR-positive lymphocytes (28.6 +/- 7%), OKT9-positive lymphocytes (8.0 +/- 4.7%), activated neopterin synthesis registered neither in group 2 patients nor donors. The number of CD 3 and CD 4 cells was similar in the diabetics and donors. B-lymphocyte level in group 1 patients was on the decrease. Unbalance in lymphocyte subpopulations, increased expression of activation markers and of serum neopterin can be noted in viral infection reflecting impairment of immunoregulating mechanisms in diabetes mellitus type I.     

American blood donors seropositive for human T-lymphotropic virus types I/II exhibit normal lymphocyte subsets

Recent reports have demonstrated that some lymphocyte subsets are abnormal in Japanese blood donors who are seropositive for human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-I). To determine if similar changes characterize American blood donors who are seropositive for HTLV-I/II, lymphocyte subsets were measured in 42 HTLV-seropositive and 42 HTLV-seronegative blood donors. The seronegative individuals were matched by age, race, and gender to the seropositive individuals. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were treated with a panel of 12 monoclonal antibody pairs and then analyzed by two-color flow cytometry. No significant differences were observed between the seropositive and seronegative groups with respect to the absolute number of circulating lymphocytes or the percentages of lymphocytes belonging to the subsets assessed. These subsets included B, T, CD4, and CD8 cells and subpopulations of CD4 and CD8 cells defined by the coexpression of markers that appear (CD25, HLA-DR, CD38) or disappear (Leu 8, CD45RA) after activation. These findings indicate that HTLV-seropositive persons in the American blood donor pool do not exhibit the lymphocyte subset alterations reported for HTLV-I-seropositive blood donors in Japan.     

上海地区献血人群免疫球蛋白A缺乏调查

目的筛查免疫球蛋白缺乏症(IgAD)患者,了解上海地区献血者中IgAD缺乏频率,以预防IgA输血过敏反应风险发生。方法采用IgA完全缺乏检测标准(IgA含量<0.05 mg/dl),以ELISA法对上海地区22 609名健康献血者的血清标本作初步筛查,IgAD者再用凝胶免疫法确认,同时对IgAD标本作抗-IgA检测。结果在22609份健康献血者标本中,有7例确认为IgA含量<0.05 mg/dl,由此推算出上海地区献血人群完全IgAD缺乏比例为0.031%(7/22 609);另有7例血清IgA含量在(0.39~3.70)mg/dl,表现为相对IgAD。在这14例IgAD(IgA<5mg/dl)标本中鉴定出2例含抗-IgA。结论上海地区健康献血者中IgA缺乏发生频率介于日本人种与高加索人种之间,但对IgAD者的输血仍存在潜在的风险,需要采取一定措施预防和规避输血过敏反应的发生。     

毛细支气管炎患儿血清白三烯及免疫功能指标测定的意义

目的 检测毛细支气管炎患儿血清白三烯水平及免疫功能指标.方法 用酶联免疫吸附试验法检测血清半胱氨酰白三烯水平;散射比浊法检测免疫球蛋白;流式细胞仪用于T细胞亚群检测.结果 毛细支气管炎组血清白三烯水平升高,与对照组比较,P＜0.05;血清免疫球蛋白A(IgA)水平与对照组比较降低,P＜0.05;血清IgM水平升高,P＜0.05;血清IgE水平升高,P＜0.05;T细胞亚群检测与对照组比较,CD3 CD4 淋巴细胞检测结果差异无统计学意义,CD3 CD8 检测结果升高、CD3 CD4 /CD3 CD8 比值降低,P＜0.05.结论 部分毛细支气管炎患儿可能存在免疫缺陷,血清白三烯水平升高,血清IgA水平降低,IgE水平升高,有助于呼吸道、肺部感染的形成,可能是引起毛细支气管炎后反复喘息和哮喘的因素之一.     

Coexistent IgG2 and IgA deficiencies in blood donors

BACKGROUND: To meet the transfusion requirements of IgA-deficient patients with anti-IgA, blood services screen random donors to identify potential donors of IgA-deficient blood components. New information reveals that some IgA-deficient persons may also be deficient in IgG2 and may be at increased risk for bacterial infections. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Serum samples from IgA-deficient blood donors and patients were tested for IgG2 concentration by radial immunodiffusion using monospecific anti-IgG2. RESULTS: Four (9.0%) of 44 IgA-deficient blood donors and 14 (31.5%) of 44 IgA-deficient patients had coexistent IgG2 and IgA deficiencies. Follow-up interviews with the 4 donors who had coexistent IgG2 and IgA deficiencies revealed that 3 had recurrent respiratory infections and had been hospitalized at least once for pneumonia. The fourth donor did not report a history suggestive of recurrent infections. CONCLUSION: Some blood donors, recruited specifically because they are IgA deficient, may also be deficient in IgG2. Persons identified by donor screening programs as being IgA deficient should be tested for IgG2. If deficient in IgG2, they should be evaluated for a history of recurrent bacterial infections and counseled accordingly.     

维生素D制剂干预对单纯性肥胖学龄前儿童免疫功能及血清脂肪因子水平的影响

目的 探讨维生素D制剂干预对单纯性肥胖学龄前儿童血清免疫球蛋白、T淋巴细胞亚群及脂肪因子(网膜素-1、趋化素、内脂素)水平的影响.方法 选取2018年2月至2019年2月诊治的单纯性肥胖学龄前儿童80例作为研究对象,均在饮食及运动干预基础上于每日早餐后口服维生素D制剂,连续服用6个月.观察干预前后体重指数(BMI)及B...     

哮喘患儿血清25羟维生素D水平与病情控制肺功能及免疫功能的相关性

目的 探讨哮喘患儿血清25羟维生素D水平与病情控制、肺功能及免疫功能的相关性.方法 对218例哮喘患儿(哮喘组)和200名健康儿童(对照组)采用化学发光微粒子免疫法检测血清25羟维生素D水平,采用免疫透射比浊法检测血清免疫球蛋白(免疫球蛋白A、免疫球蛋白G、免疫球蛋白M),采用流式细胞仪检测全血淋巴细胞亚群(CD4+、...     

腹腔镜与开腹胆囊切除术对机体免疫功能影响的比较

目的观察及比较腹腔镜和开腹胆囊切除术后血清免疫球蛋白、补体及T淋巴细胞含量的变化情况．研究两者对免疫功能的影响。方法检测60例（LC及OC各30例）胆囊结石患者术前、术后第1天、第5天的外周血淋巴细胞亚群（CD3、CD4、CD8、CD16＋56及CD19）、免疫球蛋白（IgO、IgA、Iga、IgE）及补体C3、C4含量并进行时照研究。结果LC及OC组免疫球蛋白及补体水平均低于术前，两组间差异无显著性（P〉0.05），但OC组血清C3及IgG术后与术前比较差异有显著性（P〈0．05或P〈0．01），且下降幅度与LC组比较差异有显著性（P〈0．01）。OC组术后CD3（总T淋巴细胞）、CD4（辅助／诱导T细胞）较术前明显下降，CD4／CD8较术前也明显下降，术后第5天未能恢复正常，与术前比较差异有显著性（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。而LC组术后第1天仅轻度下降，术后第5天基本恢复术前水平，两组间差异有显著性（P〈0．01）。结论LC及OC术后早期免疫功能均受到一定程度的抑制，但LC组的免疫功能抑制程度较OC组轻，表明LC时机体的免疫功能影响比OC小。     

定期单采血小板捐献者部分免疫指标变化的研究

目的了解定期单采血小板捐献者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群及免疫球蛋白IgG、IgM、IgA水平的变化。方法按捐献间隔期将87名男性单采血小板捐献者分为对照组:首次单采血小板捐献者;实验1组:2次单采血小板间隔45～73 d的捐献者;实验2组:2次单采血小板间隔29～44 d的捐献者。分别用流式细胞术和免疫比浊法检测其外周血T淋巴细胞亚群和免疫球蛋白IgG、IgM、IgA的水平,比较3组捐献者上述指标的差异。结果外周血中CD3+CD4+T淋巴细胞、CD3+CD4+T淋巴细胞/CD3+CD8+T,在实验1组中为(51.33±10.47)%和1.36±0.43,在实验2组中为(50.48±9.50)%和1.34±0.51,在对照组中为(55.18±9.84)%和1.61±0.64。外周血中CD3+CD8+T淋巴细胞、IgG、IgM、IgA,在实验1组中为(39.42±7.14)%、(13.13±2.56)g/L、(1.37±0.60)g/L、(2.55±0.70)g/L,在实验2组中为(40.72±9.24)%、(13.13±2.58)g/L、(1.31±0.70)g/L、(2.44±0.70)g/L,在对照组中为(37.32±8.30)%、(11.55±1.95)g/L、(1.08±0.40)g/L和(2.20±0.91)g/L。3组间上述指标的差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论定期捐献单采血小板不会影响外周血T淋巴细胞亚群和IgG、IgM、IgA的水平。     

Short-term and long-term effects of plasmapheresis on serum proteins and immunoglobulins

In order to evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of plasmaapheresis on serum proteins and immunoglobulins, the levels of alpha1, alpha2, beta, and gamma globulins, and IgG, IgA, and IgM were measured and statistically evaluated in 41 active plasmapheresis donors donating 500 to 1,000 ml of plasma weekly for up to three years. During the initial four months of plasmapheresis, the percentage of alpha1 and alpha2 globulins manifested a statistically significant rise and the IgG, IgA, and IgM concentrations declined. By the end of ten months, only the IgM continued to be depressed. Although the concentration of IgM continued to show a statistically significant decline for three years, it remained well within the normal range of values for our laboratory. Although no statistically significant difference existed between the baseline value of albumin and the level reached at the end of the third year, a gradual rise was followed by a decline in this interval. Most of the statistically significant alterations of serum protein and immunoglobulins occurring in plasmapheresis donors are seen in the initial six months of plasmapheresis. A falling serum protein in this time period is most likely an indication of declining immunoglobulins. It is feasible and appropriate to measure the donor's total serum protein at the time of each plasmapheresis. Any untoward reduction in this value necessitates quantification of the serum immunoglobulins. Routine measurement of the immunoglobulins in the face of normal total serum protein can be performed on a less frequent basis as is presently recommended by accrediting agencies, although this study should be performed more often during the first six months of a serial plasmapheresis program.     

强直性脊柱炎患者外周血中B淋巴细胞亚群、B细胞活化因子及其受体的表达研究

目的 研究强直性脊柱炎(AS)患者外周血中B淋巴细胞亚群、B细胞活化因子(BAFF)及其受体BP3的表达,为进一步探讨AS发病机制提供新的理论依据.方法 采用流式细胞术测定24例AS患者及30名正常健康体检者外周血中CD19+总B细胞、CD19+ CD20+ CD27 -初始B细胞、CD19+ CD20+ CD27+记...     

CD3^+HLA-DR细胞与POI患者免疫紊乱及卵巢功能的关系

目的探究CD3^+HLA-DR细胞与早发性卵巢功能不全(POI)患者免疫紊乱、卵巢功能的关系。方法选取本院2018年1月至2019年9月POI患者136例作为观察组,另选取同期健康育龄女性130例作为对照组。检测对比两组外周血CD3^+HLA-DR细胞比例、免疫球蛋白A(IgA)、IgM、IgG、细胞免疫(CD3^+、CD8^+、CD4^+)、血清抗苗勒氏管激素(AMH)、基础窦状卵泡数(AFC)、子宫内膜厚度,采用Pearson相关性分析外周血CD3^+HLA-DR细胞与免疫指标、卵巢功能的关系。结果观察组外周血CD3^+HLA-DR细胞比例高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察组CD4^+、血清IgA、IgM、IgG水平低于对照组,CD3^+、CD8^+水平高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);外周血CD3^+HLA-DR细胞与CD4^+、血清IgA、IgM、IgG呈负相关,与CD3^+、CD8^+呈正相关(P<0.05);观察组血清AMH、AFC、子宫内膜厚度低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);外周血CD3^+HLA-DR细胞与血清AMH、AFC、子宫内膜厚度呈负相关(P<0.05)。结论外周血CD3^+HLA-DR细胞在POI患者中呈异常升高表达,并与POI患者免疫紊乱、卵巢功能存在一定相关性,有望成为调控POI患者免疫应答、改善卵巢储备功能的重要T细胞亚群。     

长期单采血小板献血者甲状旁腺激素水平改变及其对献血者免疫功能的影响

目的 探讨长期单采血小板献血者甲状旁腺激素(PTH)水平的改变及其对献血者免疫功能的影响.方法 采用简单随机抽样法按性别构成比为1∶1,选择2015年10月7日至2015年12月5日于烟台市中心血站行单采血小板捐献的30例献血者作为研究对象,纳入研究组(n=30).研究组纳入标准:①献血品种为单采血小板;②捐献单采血小板5年以上,且每年捐献单采血小板次数≥10次;③献血前相关体检和血液学检查结果均符合《献血者健康检查要求》(GB18467-2011).排除标准:①献血者献血前相关体检和血液学检查结果中,任何一项不符合《献血者健康检查要求》(GB 18467-2011);②不愿意参加试验者.按性别、年龄匹配后,随机选择同期于本站首次捐献全血的献血者30例纳入对照组(n=30).对照组纳入标准:①首次献血;②献血品种为全血;③献血前相关体检和血液学检查结果均符合《献血者健康检查要求》(GB18467-2011).排除标准:①献血者献血前相关体检和血液学检查结果中,任何一项不符合《献血者健康检查要求》(GB 18467-2011);②不愿意参加试验者.采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测研究组献血者献血前,献血后1、24 h及7d,以及对照组献血者献血前的血浆PTH水平和免疫球蛋白(Ig)M、IgG、IgA水平;采用流式细胞术(FCM)检测研究组献血者献血前,献血后1、24 h及7d,以及对照组献血者献血前的CD3+T细胞、CD4+T细胞、CD8+T细胞、CD4+ CD8+T细胞等T细胞亚群表达水平;并采用统计学方法比较上述各指标水平变化情况.两组献血者年龄、性别构成比等一般临床资料比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).献血者本人认可对献血与健康相关性进行研究的必要性,自愿配合本项研究,并与之签署知情同意书.结果 ①研究组献血者献血前PTH水平与对照组相比,水平增高,但差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);血浆IgM、IgG、IgA水平,以及CD3+T细胞绝对数、CD4+T细胞绝对数、CD8+T细胞绝对数、CD4+ CD8+T细胞绝对数、CD4+T细胞百分比、CD8+T细胞百分比、CD4+ CD8+T细胞百分比、CD3+CD4+T细胞/CD3+ CD8+T细胞比值,与对照组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).②研究组献血者献血后1 h PTH水平为(72.47±7.25)ng/L,较采集前的(54.70±6.59)ng/L和对照组的(51.90±7.62)ng/L均显著增高,且差异有统计学意义(t=9.937、10.712,P＜0.01);研究组献血者献血后24 h及7 d PTH水平与采集前及对照组相比,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);研究组献血者献血后1、24 h和7d的IgM、IgG、IgA水平与采集前及对照组比较,差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).③研究组献血者献血后1、24 h和7d的CD3+T细胞绝对数、CD4+T细胞绝对数、CD8+T细胞绝对数、CD4+ CD8+T细胞绝对数、CD4+T细胞百分比、CD8+T细胞百分比、CD4+ CD8+T细胞百分比、CD3+CD4+T细胞/CD3+ CD8+T细胞比值,与采集前和对照组相比,差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 长期单采血小板献血者PTH水平有短暂升高,但未发现其对献血者机体免疫功能产生影响,我国目前的单采血小板捐献模式不会影响无偿献血者的健康.     

Lymphocyte subsets during the first hours and days after a 2.5 h running test

After a 2.5 h running test on eight healthy young males the lymphocyte subsets in peripheral blood were analyzed by flow cytometry. The analysis was carried out immediately post-exercise, after a 1 h and 3 h interval as well as a one day, a two day and five day interval. Lymphocyte subpopulations were also measured in five control subjects who did not exercise. Compared with the pre-exercise level the total lymphocyte and T-cell count was decreased 1 h and 3 h after the run and one and two days after exercise (p less than 0.01). The absolute number of monocytes and B-lymphocytes fell significantly (p less than 0.01) on the first and second day after exercise. No consistent change of helper-/suppressor-inducer T-lymphocytes (CD4+) and cytotoxic-suppressor T-cells (CD8+) cells was observed immediately after exercise. One and 3 h later, however, the absolute number of both cell types dropped below pre-exercise values (p less than 0.01). The decrease of the CD8+ cells was more pronounced, causing an increase of the CD4+ to CD8+ ratio (p less than 0.01). Among the CD4+ cells only the Leu 8+ subpopulation showed a relative increase 1 h after the exercise (p less than 0.01) while the Leu 8- population remained unaffected. 1 h and 3 h after the end of the run there was a significant fall of the absolute number and percentage of natural killer cells (Leu 7+) and cytotoxic T-cells (CD8+ Leu 7+) (p less than 0.01). These cells remained low during the first and second day after the exercise (p less than 0.01). In the control subjects the changes of cell counts for all cells examined were much smaller than in the runners. The results indicate that strenuous and prolonged exercise causes a delayed redistribution of lymphocyte subpopulations with a reduction of lymphocytes and particularly of natural killer and cytotoxic cells beginning 1 h after the exercise followed by a reduction of monocytes 24 h later. The percentage increase of CD4+ cells 1 h after the exercise could be explained by an increase of the CD4+ Leu 8+ subpopulation.     

脑出血患者周围血细胞免疫功能的研究

目的:探讨脑出血患者的细胞免疫功能及临床意义。方法 :对46例脑出血患者及42例正常者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群及血清可溶性白细胞介素 -2受体(slL -2R)水平进行检测 ,并对其中21例脑出血患者恢复期进行复查。结果 :脑出血急性期及病情重、预后差者外周血CD3数量、CD4/CD8比值明显降低 ,而CD8、slL -2R显著升高 ,而恢复期结果与之相反。结论 :脑出血患者细胞免疫功能明显低下 ,检测外周血T淋巴细胞亚群分布及血清slL -2R水平对判断脑出血病情、预后有一定的临床意义。     

Immunomodulation during treatment of polymyositis with plasmapheresis and immunosuppressive drugs

Immunologic studies were carried out in a patient with polymyositis (PM), who showed increasing muscle strength and decreasing serum creatine phosphokinase levels during 20 weeks of treatment with plasmapheresis in conjunction with prednisone and cyclophosphamide. After an initial rise, serum IgG declined with treatment. Natural killer (NK) lymphocytes were reduced by 74%, B cells by 95%, and T cells by 38%. Spontaneous proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells increased dramatically. Within the CD4+ T cell subset there was increasing maturation as shown by a rise in percent mature (CD29+) cells and reciprocal decline of immature (CD45RA+) cells. At the same time CD4+ T cells became increasingly activated as shown by HLA-DR expression. The percentage of CD8+ T cells increased strongly with treatment, and they showed increased activation and expression of the cytotoxic CD29+ and CD11b- phenotypes. CD8+ T cells exhibiting CD45RA or CD11b+ suppressor phenotypes were overall unchanged; however, on follow-up a proportion of CD8+ cells expressed the activated suppressor effector (CD11b—CD28—) phenotype. In addition to control of PM by the possible deletion of activated autoreactive B and T lymphocyte clones with cyclophosphamide, the activation and maturation of CD4+ T cells during treatment may have downregulated the autoreactive disease process, either through direct antiidiotypic suppression or by induction of the observed increase in cytotoxic and suppressor CD8+ T cells. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Serial changes in cellular immunity of septic patients with multiple organ-system failure

Total lymphocyte count, lymphocyte cell-surface markers (OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, and B-1), serum complement factors (C3 and C4), immunoglobulins (IgG, IgA, and IgM), ceruloplasmin (Crl), and transferrin (Trf) were determined weekly for nine septic postoperative patients, all of whom had multiple organ-system failure. The peripheral blood total lymphocyte count, its subpopulation, T-cell subset, and proliferative responses of lymphocyte to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) decreased in all patients. OKT3 and B-1 decreased progressively in the four nonsurvivors compared with the five survivors. Although immunoglobulin levels were within the normal range in both groups, they tended to increase in survivors and decrease in nonsurvivors. Serial levels of C3, C4, Crl, and Trf increased in survivors but did not change in nonsurvivors. T-cell function and antibody-producing activity diminished progressively in nonsurvivors. These changes in cellular immunity may represent another manifestation of multiple organ-system failure during sepsis.     

Plasma proteins and lymphocyte phenotypes in long-term plasma donors

BACKGROUND: The possible effects of long-term plasma donation remain unknown, but it is important to investigate them so that donor safety is ensured. The purpose of this study was to determine if long-term plasma donation alters plasma proteins or lymphocyte phenotypes. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Two groups of long-term plasma donors, source plasma donors (n = 20) and Rh immune globulin plasma donors (n = 26), were compared with whole blood donors (n = 29) and nondonor controls (n = 30). Blood samples were obtained prior to donation. Serum protein, albumin, globulin, and immunoglobulin levels were determined. In an assay using whole blood, lymphocyte phenotypes were characterized with a panel of single- and dual-labeled monoclonal antibodies and subsequent analysis by flow cytometry. RESULTS: As compared to the nondonor controls and/or whole blood donors, the mean values for serum protein, globulin, and IgG levels were lower in both plasma donor groups, with a significant negative correlation between donation frequency and serum protein values for the source plasma donors. Albumin levels were within normal ranges for both groups of plasma donors. No significant differences existed among the donor groups in total white cell counts, the percentage or absolute number of lymphocytes, T (CD3) cells, or helper T (CD4) cells. However, there were increased percentages of B (CD19) cells and decreased percentages of suppressor T (CD8+/CD11b+) cells and natural killer cells in both groups of plasma donors as compared to nondonor controls. CONCLUSION: Many plasma donors have low levels of serum protein, globulin, and IgG. In addition, they have increased percentages of B cells and decreased percentages of suppressor T and natural killer cells. The clinical significance of these findings warrants further investigation.