Lymphocyte activation after blood transfusion, major surgery and skin testings

ABSTRACT

The proportion of lymphocytes passing through the S-phase of the cell cycle was determined in peripheral blood lymphocytes taken seven days after major surgery, blood transfusion or delayed hypersensitivity skin testing with recall antigens. The unstimulated incorporation of 3H-thymilidine in-vitro, during a two hour incubation period was assessed by scintillation counting and autoradiography. Healthy subjects were studied in parallel. Fifteen patients undergoing surgery without blood transfusion showed a significant increase in lymphocyte activation compared with controls [P< 0.025]. In 12 patients blood transfusion alone produced a greater increase [P< 0.01] but the greatest response was seen in 20 patients who received intra-operative blood transfusions [P< 0.001]. Skin Test antigens [10 patients] did not produce a statistically significant increase in activated lymphycytes. The origin, nature and clinical significance of these activated lymphocytes requires further elucidation