Carbamazepine effects on mononuclear blood cells in epileptic patients

Immunological effects of carbamazepine (CBZ) were examined by studying 10 previously untreated epileptic patients before and during CBZ therapy. The mean number of leukocytes were reduced from 7020/mm3 to 5500/mm3, whereas no significant changes in the proportion of active and total T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, Fc gamma receptor- and C3b receptor-positive cells, and phagocytizing cells were observed in peripheral blood. Mononuclear blood cells were stimulated to the same extent before and during CBZ treatment by the mitogens PHA, ConA and PWM. Accordingly, the mild IgA and IgM reducing effect of CBZ previously reported was not paralleled by changes in the mononuclear blood cells as examined in this study.