Studies on the behavior of lymphocytes in the direct lymphocytotoxicity test (DLT) in surgical patients: II. Dynamics of immunological reactivity in selected cases.

The results of investigations on the dynamics of immune reactivity are presented in 6 cases selected from 38 surgical patients. The investigations were carried out during surgical treatment of peripheral arterial diseases, malignant neoplasms of the alimentary tract, and extensive chronic inflammatory processes of the soft tissues. The evaluation of immune reactivity of these patients was based on the results of the direct lymphocytotoxicity test (DLT), the intensity of the autolymphocytotoxic reactions in the cold (15 degrees C) test, morphology and other changes of lymphocytes (various forms, lysis, leukergy) and on their ability to undergo blastic transformation in vitro after stimulation with PHA. The joint evaluation of investigations carried out repeatedly in these diseases may be useful for tracing the dynamics of immune reactivity in surgical patients.