Lymphocyte transformation and isovolemic hemodilution with hydroxyethylstarch 450,000

The effect of hemodilution upon lymphocyte transformation was studied in vivo. 20 p.c. of circulating blood volume was replaced by Hydroxyethylstarch 450,000 6%, (HES 450) and 24 hours later but prior to surgery lymphocyte transformation using PHA was not substantially changed. These findings were in accord with previous in vitro studies. There appeared to be no significant change of the total lymphocyte count, alteration of serum proteins seemed to be proportional presenting a mere dilutional phenomenon. It can thus be concluded that hemodilution does not impair cellular immune defense nor increase the risk for patients prone to sepsis or spread of malignancy.