IMMUNOMODULATION IN-VITRO - EFFECTS OF THYMIC SUBSTANCES THYMEX-L ANDTFX-THYMOMODULIN ON PERIPHERAL-BLOOD LYMPHOCYTES OF LUNG-CANCER PATIENTS

The in vitro immunomodulating effect of two thymic extracts (Thymex L and TFH-Thymomodulin) on the cellular immunity parameters (the number of total and active T cells and mitogen-induced lymphoproliferative re sponse) were studied using the lymphocyte cultures of 81 lung cancer p atients previously treated by radio- or chemotherapy. The patients wer e divided into two subgroups: patients with normal baseline values of corresponding test and patients with diminished values. The addition o f two concentrations (5 mu g/ml and 0,5 mu g/ml) of thymic agents had no effect on the total T cell number, but it significantly augumented the number of active T cells and lymphoproliferative responses. This a ugumentation was achieved in the hyporeactive subgroup only, the norma lly reactive one, as well as controls, being practically unaffected. T here was no difference between the two drugs with regard to their effe cts on immune parameters; only the percentage of patients who have aug mented their responses after the addition of Thymex L was slightly hig her than that achieved by the addition of TFX-Thymomodulin.