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T-lymphocyte Ca2+ signalling and proliferative responses during sepsis
M A Choudhry1, S Ahmad, K D Thompson
1Department of Physiology, Loyola University of Chicago, Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
Shock (Augusta, Ga.)
|June 1, 1994
Summary
Sepsis impairs T-lymphocyte function by reducing intracellular calcium signaling and proliferation. This T-cell dysfunction may decrease the host
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Burn and traumatic injuries can alter T-lymphocyte responses.
- Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, significantly impacts immune cell function.
- T-lymphocytes play a crucial role in host defense against infection.
Purpose:
- To investigate the effect of sepsis on T-lymphocyte intracellular calcium (Ca2+) signaling and proliferation.
- To evaluate the role of concanavalin A (Con A) in modulating these T-cell responses during sepsis.
- To determine the relationship between Ca2+ signaling and T-cell proliferation in septic rats.
Summary:
- Septic rats, induced by Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis, exhibited significantly decreased T-lymphocyte intracellular Ca2+ response to Con A on days 1 and 2 post-implantation.
- A reduced T-cell proliferative response to Con A was observed in septic rats on day 2, but not day 1, compared to sterile controls.
- These findings suggest that sepsis-induced alterations in Ca2+ signaling precede and potentially cause the diminished proliferative capacity of T-cells.
Impact:
- The study reveals a mechanism by which sepsis compromises T-cell mediated immunity.
- Impaired T-cell function during sepsis could contribute to increased susceptibility to secondary infections.
- Understanding these cellular defects may inform strategies to enhance immune resistance during sepsis.