LOW-DOSES OF RECOMBINANT-HUMAN-ERYTHROPOIETIN RAISE SERUM INTERLEUKIN-2 LEVELS IN HEMODIALYSIS-PATIENTS

Six hemodialysis patients with stable hematological parameters (no blo od transfusion in the last three months) were selected. They were give n human recombinant erythropoietin (rhEfO) at the dose 7-10 U/kg h.w./ s.c., three times a week for twelve weeks, to estimate whether the imm unomodulating effects of rhEPO are caused by its direct action or are associated with a correction of anemia. In four of the six patients th e low level of serum interleukin-2 (IL-2) recorded before therapy incr eased gradually for ten weeks reaching normal healthy human values (p< 0.01). After that it dropped back to the initial level. The red blood cell count remained unchanged. This study supports the theory that ery thropoietin in hemodialysis patients not only corrects anemia but inde pendently modulates immunological response.