Cell-mediated immune suppression due to alfathesin in short-term anaesthesia

Effect of anesthesia on the immune system: suppression of the immunogenic capacity of macrophages and of lymphocyte transformation

Experiments were carried out aimed at investigating the effects of anesthesia without surgery on certain functional components of the immune system. We observed that the immunogenic antigen-presenting capacity of mouse peritoneal macrophages was significantly reduced one week post-anesthesia, with either injected or inhaled anesthetic drugs. On the other hand, an augmentation of the phagocytic activities of these macrophages was manifested. Hence, the impaired immunogenic potency could not be attributed to a reduced antigen uptake. Lymphocyte transformations, i.e., response to PHA and Con A were suppressed, whereas the response to LPS was augmented.

Effect of long-term continuous infusion of alfathesin on clinical biochemical and haematological parameters

Clinical biochemical and haematological parameters during long-term continuous infusion of alfathesin were studied in twelve neurosurgical patients who did not have multiple organ failure. Significant changes which were possibly caused by alfathesin were an alteration of blood film morphology, an elevation of plasma triglyceride and a reduction in plasma high-density lipids.