THE EFFECT OF THORACIC-DUCT DRAINAGE ON THE PROSTAGLANDIN-E LEVEL IN THE DOG

Immunodeficiency is a known effect of thoracic duct (TD) drainage comb ining depletion of lymphocytes and macrophages with changes of immunom odulating substances. The immunomodulator prostaglandin (PG) E has not pet been adequately investigated with regard to its possible role in the effect of TD drainage. After organ transplantation, PGE treatment as well as TD drainage have an immunomodulatory effect and reduce the frequency of acute rejections. In this study we examined the influence of long term TD drainage on PGE-levels in lymph and serum in dogs. We also investigated changes of the immunoglobulines (Ig) G, M, A, and t he lymphocyte number. In consequence of the TD drainage there was mere ly a brief moderate lowering PGE serum level and a constant PGE level in the TD lymph. Levels of Ig's and lymphocyte numbers decreased drast ically in serum and lymph. To sum up, we have shown that PGE does not has an effect in immunosuppression by TD drainage. Loss of Ig's and ly mphocytes are the main causes of the immunosuppressant effect of TD dr ainage.