Changes in the Lymphocyte Subset After Double-Filtration Plasmapheresis

Abstract

To investigate the direct impact of membrane plasmapheresis on the distribution of lymphocyte subsets, paired blood specimens from 18 healthy volunteers were studied before and immediately after a single session of double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFP). After a single session of DFP treatment, the number of helper T cells had increased by 2.34% (P = .0142), whereas the suppressor T cells decreased by 2.22% (P = .0095), with consequent increases in the T-helper/T-suppressor (Th/Ts) ratio (P < .0001). The number of B cells was also significantly increased (P = .0012) after DFP treatment; however, total T and natural killer cells did not differ after treatment. Older volunteers ( > 40 years) had significantly higher percentages of B (P = .0002) and helper T (P = .0432) cells after treatment. In contrast, younger subjects had a lower percentage of suppressor T cells (P = .0174). However, the Th/Ts ratio increased significantly irrespective of age group (P = .0016) and sex (P = .0016). A single session of membrane plasmapheresis seemed to activate the cellular immune system in our sample of 18 healthy volunteers, increasing the number of B cells and the Th/Ts ratio.

Inhibition of peripheral blood natural killer cell cytotoxicity in patients with myasthenia gravis treated with plasmapheresis

“…The decrease in cytotoxicity does not seem to result from change in the percentage of NK cells before and after DFP treatment. As our previous report shows [35], DFP treatment does not significantly change the percentage of NK cells. Additionally, our results show that NK cell cytotoxicity decreased in patients with MG after DFP treatment (both after one session and after the full DFP course), especially in the MG score good responder group, patients with AChR antibodies, and patients receiving [15,16], we used non-radiation DiOC 18 -labeled K562 as the target cells.…”

The mechanisms of action of plasma exchange

“…In a study of 18 healthy volunteers treated with DFPP, changes in lymphocyte subsets were different than those reported in autoimmune disease patients (Yeh et al, 2007). In these healthy volunteers, TPE was associated with an increase in both T and B cells and a decline in T suppressor cells (Yeh et al, 2007).…”

“…Changes in T suppressor function. An increase in T suppressor cells in AIDP patients treated with DFPP has been reported (Yoshii & Shinohara, 2000) while a decrease in T suppressor cells in healthy volunteers undergoing DFPP has also been seen (Yeh et al, 2007).…”

A Decrease in the Percentage of CD3+ Cells Is Correlated With Clinical Improvement During Plasmapheresis in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis

“…Samples were stored in tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (5.4 mg/tube). All monoclonal antibodies were purchased conjugated with two‐color fluorescent dyes, fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) and phycoerythrin (PE), as described previously (22). Samples were incubated with monoclonal antibodies specific for CD45 and CD3 labeled with FITC, and CD14, CD4, CD8, CD19, CD16, and/or CD56 labeled with PE (Simultest IMK‐Lymphocyte kit, Becton Dickinson, San Jose, CA, USA) for 20 min at room temperature in the dark.…”