Effect of dextran infusion on the phagocytic and metabolic functions of the reticuloendothelial system in man

The reticuloendothelial system (RES) is part of the host defence and consequently plays an important role in shock and trauma, conditions often requiring volume replacement. Experimental studies have shown that the functions of the RES are hampered by plasma substitutes such as gelatin, starch and dextran. In this study six patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy were given 500 ml dextran just before the operation. At the end of the operation the phagocytic and metabolic functions were tested with microaggregated human serum albumin labelled with I125. The results indicate that there is a significant impairment of the phagocytic activitity of the RES in patients given dextran compared to controls not given dextran but saline. The metabolic activity was not significantly affected by dextran, however, suggesting that moderate dosage of dextran is not of great disadvantage to patients undergoing major surgery.