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Reactive oxygen species production by monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes during dialysis

J Himmelfarb1, J M Lazarus, R Hakim

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Vermont Medical School, Maine Medical Center, Portland.

Insights

Hemodialysis with cuprophane membranes activates monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL), increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. These activated immune cells become less responsive to further stimulation during dialysis.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Nephrology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hemodialysis is a crucial treatment for kidney failure.
  • The interaction between dialysis membranes and blood cells can trigger immune responses.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in cellular signaling and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the intradialytic production of ROS by monocytes and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL).
  • To assess the responsiveness of granulocytes to stimulation during hemodialysis.
  • To understand the immune cell activation associated with cuprophane membrane hemodialysis.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples were collected from six hemodialysis patients.
  • Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) and flow cytometry.
  • Cellular responsiveness to C5a and F-Met-Leu-Phe (FMLP) was assessed at various time points during dialysis.

Main Results:

  • Significant increase in ROS production by monocytes and PMNL 15 minutes after initiating dialysis with cuprophane membranes.
  • Granulocytes exhibited decreased responsiveness to C5a and FMLP at 15, 30, and 60 minutes post-dialysis initiation.
  • ROS production correlated with the activation of the complement cascade during hemodialysis.

Conclusions:

  • Hemodialysis using cuprophane membranes induces activation of monocytes and PMNL, evidenced by ROS production.
  • Activated granulocytes during hemodialysis become refractory to further stimulation.
  • These findings highlight the inflammatory potential of cuprophane membranes during hemodialysis.

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