Hemodialysis leukopenia and complement function with different dialyzers.

The relationship between leukopenia and the complement system during hemodialysis was re-examined by studying not only the in vivo effects of four different dialyzer membranes (cellulose hydrate, cuprophan, cellulose acetate, and polyacrilonitrile) on leukocyte counts and complement levels, but especially by investigating the effects of these membranes on complement function in vitro. Whereas from in vivo studies no definite conclusions could be drawn, in vitro investigations provided clear-cut information. When more sophisticated technical approaches were undertaken, it became evident that hemodialysis leukopenia has to be thought of in terms of chemotactic factor generation.

Cell mediated immunity in idiopathic glomerulonephritis.

Various recent reports have suggested the presence of a functional defect of lymphocyte subpopulations in minimal-change nephropathy during the active phase. A probable role of inhibitory humoral factor(s) has been hypothesized. However, other authors have been unable to detect a significant difference between plasma from patients with nephrotic syndrome due to minimal-change nephropathy and plasma from other glomerulonephritis in the degree of inhibition of mitogen-induced lymphocyte transformation.