Immune responses to dialyzer contents by dialysis patients

Serum antibodies to the contents of cuprophan hollow-fiber dialyzers were demonstrated by immunodiffusion in 36 of 68 hemodialysis patients. The antibodies were not absorbed by ethylene oxide or washed cuprophan hollow fibers. No cross-reactivity with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide and pneumococcal polysaccharides was noted. The antibodies were IgM and probably IgG. Washed cuprophan hollow fibers did not absorb IgE detected by radioallergosorbent test (RAST). Lymphocyte transformation to the contents of both cuprophan hollow fiber and polyacrylonitrile plate dialyzers was demonstrated. Materials added in manufacture of dialyzers are immunogenic. The long-term biologic effects are unknown.