THE INFLUENCE OF THE IMMUNOSUPPRESSANTS OKT3 AND ATG ON IMMUNOLOGICALPARAMETERS

Cytokines play an important role in the immune response induced by org an grafting, particularly during episodes of rejection. We tested the influence of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies upon levels of media tors of the immune system. In 29 patients various cytokines and mediat ors were serially analyzed following transplantation. Thirteen patient s received polyclonal antibodies (ATG) and 7 monoclonal (OKT3). Both O KT3 and ATG induced a rise in body temperature. Mean serum levels of a myloid A, neopterin, plasma levels of TNF alpha, interleukin 2 recepto r (IL-2R) and urine levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-2R were elev ated when antibodies were employed. Interestingly, urine and plasma TN F-alpha as well as urine IL-6 and IL-2R remained elevated following AT G but not OKT3 and did not rise in case of basic treatment. In summary , antibody therapy increased levels of immune mediators. These mediato rs remained elevated following the discontinuation of treatment in cas e of ATG but not OKT3.