EFFECTS OF GLUTAMINE SUPPLEMENTATION ON CIRCULATING LYMPHOCYTES AFTERBONE-MARROW TRANSPLANTATION - A PILOT-STUDY

Glutamine (Gln) is an important nutrient substrate for lymphocytes and macrophages in vitro. This pilot study evaluated effects of Cln suppl ementation on circulating lymphocytes and lymphocyte subsets after all ogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Adult patients received eit her parenteral nutrition supplemented by L-Gln (Gln-PN) or standard Gl n-free PN after BMT. Leukocyte and total lymphocyte counts were determ ined during hospitalization, and flow cytometry studies of peripheral mononuclear cells were performed 1 to 2 weeks after hospital discharge . The Gln-PN group demonstrated a higher percentage of blood lymphocyt es during hospitalization. At flow cytometry, patients who received Gl n-PN had an increased total lymphocyte count (332 +/- 50 versus 590 +/ - 71 cells/mu L, P = 0.010); greater numbers of total T lymphocytes (5 4 +/- 19 versus 229 +/- 70 cells/mu L, P = 0.030); and higher CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood compared with controls. Gln-PN may support lymphocyte recovery after BMT.