T mediated immunity in patients undergoing periodic hemodialysis

Seventeen patients with well compensated chronic renal failure undergoing periodic hemodialysis were studied with regard to absolute number of T and B lymphocytes, spontaneous and PHA induced lymphocyte blastogenesis both with autologous and homologous compatible plasma. A normal lymphocyte count as well as a normal relative and absolute number of T and B lymphocytes was found in most cases. Spontaneous blastogenesis was normal. Lymphocyte response to PHA was reduced both with autologous and homologous plasma, but the depression was more relevant when autologous plasma was used in culture. The authors discuss these findings with respect to available data, particularly concerning inhibitory factors in uraemic plasma.