[Comparative morphological characteristic of immune deficiency in subjects with opioid addiction and chronic...

The objective of the present study was to analyse changes of morphological properties in the organs of immune and endocrine systems in subjects with opioid addiction and chronic alcoholic intoxication (CAI) based on the results of 322 autopsies. These included 190 cases of drug addiction from 0.5 to 10.5 years in duration, 90 cases of chronic alcoholic intoxication, 42 cases of combined drug addiction and CAI. The study demonstrated phasic character of changes in the organs of immune and endocrine systems in subjects with opioid addiction. Three phases were distinguished in the development of immune and endocrine disorders (secondary immunodeficiency syndrome) that correspond to the stages of formation, compensation, and decompensation, respectively, of general adaptation syndrome as a reaction to chronic stress. These processes may be deranged in case of combination of opioid addiction and CAI when changes in the immune and endocrine systems resemble those observed in severe immunodeficiency with serious atrophic and sclerotic lesions in lymphoid organs and endocrine glands. Characteristics of immune deficiency resulting from the consumption of narcotic substances and chronic alcoholic intoxication have much in common even though either of the two underlying conditions shows certain specific features.