[Cell-mediated immunity in chronic pyelonephritis]

The authors used monoclonal antibody (CD3, CD4, CD8) and indirect immunofluorescence technic to study peripheral blood lymphocyte surface markers in patients with chronic pyelonephritis (CPN) and in normal controls. In CPN patients, a significant decrease in CD3, a lower percentage of CD4 and significant higher percentage of CD8 leading to a decrease in the CD4/CD8 ratio were noted. No differences could be observed between Spleen-Kidney Yang deficiency and Kidney Yin deficiency. The overall picture shown by the CPN patients was compatible to a cell-mediated immune response defection. The CPN patients were then treated with Zi-Ling capsule (ZLC)/transfer factor (TF) and various antibiotics for three months, during which period the authors found a significant increase in CD3, CD4, but no significant change in CD8. Symptoms such as lumbago, fatigue, frequency of urination were improved. A significant decreased in CD4 after cessation of treatment with ZLC and TF was observed. These observations suggested that both ZLC and TF could also improve the immune function, however, they mainly affect CD4 but not CD8 cells, and the effect lasted for only a short period. In conclusion, ZLC/TF and antibiotics administered together would serve as a useful therapeutic measure to be recommended for patients with CPN.