The effect of hemodialysis on lymphocyte subsets during dialysis

To clarify the effect of hemodialysis on immune response of dialysis patients, peripheral lymphocyte subsets were measured using monoclonal antibodies, OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, OKIal and Leu7. The absolute numbers of OKT3+, OKT4+, OKT8+ and OKIal+ cells were significantly lower in dialysis patients than controls. During dialysis, the relative proportions of OKT3+ and OKT4+ cells increased, and the absolute numbers of OKIal+ and OKT8+ cells decreased, 30 minutes after initiation of dialysis. At the end of the dialysis, the absolute numbers of OKT3+ and OKT4+ cells increased. The absolute number of Leu7+ cells showed low values during dialysis. These changes of lymphocyte subsets during dialysis may have influence on the immune response of dialysis patients.