Evaluation of the influence of peritoneal dialysis on cellular immunity by the E-rosette inhibition test

Sera of patients on peritoneal dialysis and regular hemodialysis were analyzed over a follow-up period of 8 months for the capacity of normal lymphocytes to inhibit E-rosette formation. The percentage of inhibition in sera from peritoneal dialysis patients was significantly reduced (p less than 0.02) only 1 month after treatment was started, whereas in hemodialysis patients the percentage of inhibition remained unchanged. No difference was observed between sera collected before and after the hemodialysis sessions. There was no significant positive correlation between the percentage of E-rosette inhibition and p-urea, p-creatinine, s-albumin, and s-proteins, respectively. Statistical analysis of the E-rosette inhibition test by uremic serum and spontaneous E-rosettes in these patients showed a significant regression coefficient (p less than 0.01) in both groups. The fact that, unlike ultrafiltrate from hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysate significantly (p less than 0.05) inhibits the E-rosette formation capacity of normal lymphocytes, confirms these findings, suggesting an inhibitory activity of serum factors on lymphocyte function.