αβ and γδ T cell subsets in chronic renal failure in children on dialysis treatment

BACKGROUND: Impaired immunity, particularly cell-mediated, is one of the features of chronic renal failure. This also concerns impaired T cell dependent responsiveness. METHODS: The expression of T cell surface antigens (CD3, CD25, TCRalphabeta, TCRgammadelta) was evaluated on peripheral blood (PB) mononuclear cells using two-color flow cytometry in 10 children on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and in 13 children on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) with polysulfone and cuprophane dialysers. RESULTS: In HD children absolute numbers of leukocytes, lymphocytes, CD3+, alphabeta, gammadelta T cells and a percentage of gammadelta T cells were decreased versus healthy children. Also, we observed a relative increase of CD3+, CD3+/CD25+ and alphabeta T cells after sessions with cuprophane membranes, and an increase of CD3+/CD25+, alphabeta T cell percentages after sessions with the polysulfone membranes. Additionally we found a decrease of both relative and absolute numbers of gammadelta T cells after HD with polysulfone. In CAPD children we found declined absolute numbers of total lymphocytes, CD3+ and alphabeta T cells and higher relative values of CD3+ and alphabeta T cells versus controls. CONCLUSIONS: The T cell depletion in chronic renal failure (CRF) patients primarily results from uremic-related toxicities, rather than from CAPD or HD-related incompatibilities. We showed a significant decrease of gammadelta T cells in CRF patients on HD, that may be partly responsible for impaired T-dependent responsiveness in that group. The intradialytic changes of gammadelta Tcells may result from a different degree of biocompatibility during the application of various dialysis membranes.     

Influence of combined administration of ethyl alcohol with caffeine and hydroxyzine on cardiac minute volume and stroke volume in rabbits.

The effect of combined administration of ethyl alcohol with caffeine and hydroxyzine on cardiac volume and vascular resistance was studied. Combined administration of these compounds diminished cardiac stroke volume and minute output and increased general vascular resistance. Simultaneous administration of ethanol with caffeine and hydroxyzine exerts an unfavorable effect on haemodynamics of circulatory system.     

Effect of orally administered plasticizers and polyvinyl chloride stabilizers in the rat

Toxicologic effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, di-(n-octyl)tin S,S′-bis-(isooctyl mercaptoacetate), dibenzyltin S,S′-bis-(isooctyl mercaptoacetate), as well as their effect on reproduction and fetal development were examined in Wistar rats. In a 3-month toxicity study all the compounds produced a statistically significant increase in the mean liver weight of the animals. Rats fed dietary levels 0.35% of di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and 0.02% of di-(n-octyl)tin S,S′-bis-(isooctyl mercaptoacetate) for periods up to 12 months showed a significant decrease in body weight and an increase in kidney weight; furthermore, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate caused liver enlargement. Red and white blood cell counts, hemoglobin concentration and histopathology of liver, kidneys, and spleen were within normal limits. Reproduction studies showed an increased number of resorptions and decreased fetal body weights. Doses of 0.02 and 0.04 g/kg of di-(n-octyl)tin S,S′-bis-(isooctyl mercaptoacetate) also caused a 17% incidence in fetal deaths. No gross abnormalities were found in the fetuses.