[Changes of immunologic function in patients with COPD induced chronic cor pulmonale]

We determined the counts of lymphocyte subpopulation CD3+, CD4+, CD8+ and CD16+ in PBL by using APAAP method and some humoral immunological parameters (HIP) in patients with COPD induced chronic cor pulmonale. The results showed: (1) In cases during exacerbation stage, the counts of CD3+, CD4+, CD16+ and the CD4+:CD8+ ratio decreased remarkably (P < 0.001). There was significant correlation between the counts of CD3+, CD4+, the CD4+:CD8+ ratio and PaO2 (P < 0.01). No marked change in serum IgG, IgA and IgM level was observed. Serum IgE and CIC level was significantly higher and C3 level lower than those in controls (P < 0.01). After treatment the counts of CD3+, CD4+, CD16+ and the CD4+:CD8= ratio went up notably (P < 0.01), but no significant change was found in the HIP. (2) In cases during remission stage only the CD4+ level was low (P < 0.05) and no remarkable difference was observed in the HIP. After treatment with thymopeptide the counts of CD4+ increased (P < 0.05), CD8+ decreased (P < 0.01) and the CD4+:CD8+ ratio increased (P < 0.01). The serum IgA and CIC level also went up significantly (P < 0.05). This indicated that thymopeptide played a role in regulating the immunologic function.