Memory B cells and pneumococcal antibody after splenectomy.

Splenectomized patients are susceptible to bloodstream infections with encapsulated bacteria, potentially due to loss of blood filtering but also defective production of anticarbohydrate Ab. Recent studies propose that a lack of Ab is related to reduced numbers of IgM(+) CD27(+) memory B cells found after splenectomy. To test this, we analyzed CD27(+) memory B cell subsets, IgG, and IgM pneumococcal Ab responses in 26 vaccinated splenectomized subjects in comparison to memory B cell subsets and Ab responses in healthy controls.

Pilot study investigating the age-related decline in ovarian function of regularly menstruating normal women.

Objective: To use a pilot study to investigate markers of the age-related decline in ovarian function of regularly menstruating normal women.

Design: Prospective.

Setting: Tertiary research center.