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Published on: March 5, 2020
Cellular immunology in regular dialysis: a biological model for biocompatibility evaluation
S Stefoni1, A Nanni-Costa, A Buscaroli
1Institute of Nephrology, University of Bologna, Italy.
Insights
Cellular immunity changes during hemodialysis, with increased lymphocyte activation and proliferation observed. These findings highlight the potential of cellular immunity to assess the biocompatibility of dialysis membranes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Cellular immunity is sensitive to foreign agents and useful for biocompatibility testing.
- Advanced techniques like flow cytometry offer insights into cellular responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate lymphocyte activation and proliferation during hemodialysis.
- To evaluate the relationship between dialysis and cellular immunity for biocompatibility assessment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized flow cytometry and immunoenzyme techniques.
- Monitored lymphocyte activation, proliferation, HLA antigen density, DNA synthesis, and interleukin-2 receptor (Il-2R) levels during hemodialysis.
Main Results:
- Significant increases in HLA antigen density (class I and II), DNA synthesis, and Il-2R serum concentration were observed.
- These immune responses peaked within the first hour of extracorporeal circulation.
Conclusions:
- Hemodialysis significantly impacts cellular immunity.
- Cellular immunity markers can quantify and evaluate the biocompatibility of dialysis membranes.
Abstract:
Cellular immunity represents an interesting biological model for biocompatibility evaluation of artificial materials owing to its sensitivity to contact with the external environment and its capability of modulating response reactions to foreign agents. Advanced methodologies such as flow cytometry and the immunoenzyme techniques in particular have given new insights into lymphocyte structure and functions, enabling analysis of the in vivo modification of these cells. By means of these sophisticated techniques we investigated lymphocyte activation and proliferation during one single haemodialysis session. Findings clearly show that increases in HLA antigen density (class I and II), DNA synthesis, and interleukin-2 receptor serum concentration (Il-2R) take place during the dialysis procedure, and reach their maximum during the first hour of extracorporeal circulation. The relationship between dialysis procedure and cellular immunity appears noticeable and is of potential value in the evaluation and quantification of the biocompatibility of different dialysis membranes.
