ABSTRACT
Dialysers F6 (polysulphon membrane) and Altra Nova-170 (acetate cellulose-H membrane) were tested for effects on concentration of beta 2-microglobulin (beta-2 MG) in the course of hemodialysis. F6 produced a rise in beta-2 MG levels (50.0 +/- 7.7 to 59.2 +/- 9.5 mg/l). Altra Nova-170 induced no significant changes in these levels. Dialyser F6 seems to stimulate generation or release of beta-2 MG the input and output amounts of which indicate that the process may be confined to dialyser interior. On hemodialysis minute 15 a sharp fall in beta-2 MG concentrations was registered in the use of either device. This phenomenon resembles leukopenic effect of cellulose membranes. Hemodialysis kinetics of beta-2 MG is likely to depend on leukocyte activation.
