[Immunologic changes in chronic pancreatitis]

In 35 patients with chronic pancreatitis, C3, C4, s-immunoglobulins, circulating immunocomplexes and T-lymphocytes were assessed in order to verify whether an immunological role may be postulated in the pathogenesis and/or in the maintenance of the disease. A significant increase of serum IgM together with normal values of C3 and C4 and without circulating immunocomplexes was found. A significant decrease in the total number of lymphocytes as well as in the number and percentage of T-lymphocytes was also documented. These results suggest a possible involvement of immunological (humoral and cellular) processes in maintaining the chronic pancreatic damage.