[Psychoimmunological aspects of using the psychoactive substance by adolescents]

In this research a quantitative analysis of cluster differentiation and stimulation in lymphocyte T, B, NK cells and lymphocyte T subpopulations was made, together with an evaluation of physical and psychological state of opiate-dependent adolescents (Polish heroin administered intravenously). Based on the conducted research the following conclusions were drawn: the changes within the lymphocyte T composition and in their subpopulations, as well as in the NK cells indicate cell immunity disturbances in persons with a permanent pattern of opiate use (Polish heroin), not causally related to psychiatric disorders occurrence in those persons and their somatic state. The lowering of CD4 lymphocyte level in opiate-dependent persons, HIV-seronegative, can indicate an immune system defect, not causally related to HIV infection; decreased number of NK cells which are an important element of non-specific cell immunity, indicates a possibility of a greater number of infections in persons treated due to opiate dependence.