Immune system in vitro

Increasingly the existence of multiresistant strains is reported, especially in the United States but also elsewhere. Also the occurrence of infections with difficult to treat, so called atypical mycobacteria like Mycobacterium avium intracellulare and Mycobacterium kansasii is on the rise. These infections are especially seen in patients with a compromised immune system. In vitro these atypical mycobacteria often show resistance against first-choice drugs. However this in vitro lack of sensitivity does not always correspond with in vivo responses. 

There has been some concern about the possible effects of factor VIII formulations on the immune system. In vitro experiments with coagulation factor concentrates have shown immunosuppressive effects (16,17), such as the impairment of Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis and intracellular bacterial killing (18). Inhibition of IL-2 production, an impaired MLR, and impairment of PHA transformation have been demonstrated (19). A fall in the number of T4 lymphocytes has also been found. Whether these findings reflect functional impairment of the immune system is still unclear. 

This nucleoside appears to control the immune system in vitro both by interacting extracellularly with A1 and A2 membrane receptors and also intracellularly by inhibiting transmethylation and by acting on a P-site. Although adenosine is not the only endogenous modulator of the immune function, the above cited effects and the observation of patients with ADA deficiency suggest that this nucleoside may well have a significant role in the control of human inflammatory and immune reactions. 

Albumin solutions are manufactured from pooled plasma. They can contain other plasma constituents, such as heme compounds, prekalli-krein, endotoxins, bradykinin and bilirubin, in sufficient concentrations to cause clinical effects (Pulimood Park 2000). Some batches of human albumin have been shown to induce the expression of adhesion molecules on endothelial cells in vitro (Nohe et al 1999), which could result in activation of the immune system in vivo. Despite appropriate precautions during the manufacturing process, there is always a theoretical chance of transmission of disease with any biological product. 

Baczynsky WO, Zimmerman AM (1983b) Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol and cannabidiol on the immune system in mice. II. In vitro investigation using cultured mouse splenocytes. Pharmacology 26 12-19... 

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