OBJECTIVE
To detect T cell apoptosis in reduced peripheral lymphocyte counts in patients having major operations.
DESIGN
Prospective study.
SETTING
University hospital, Japan.
SUBJECTS
11 patients having oesophagectomy and 5 having laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
INTERVENTIONS
To investigate T cell apoptosis we detected DNA fragmentation using electrophoresis, and T-cell receptor-gamma (TCR-gamma) gene amplification using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in serum.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Peripheral lymphocyte count and DNA extracted from the serum preoperatively and on postoperative days 1, 3, 5, and 7.
RESULTS
The lymphocyte count decreased significantly until day 5 and then increased in the patients who had had oesophagectomy. DNA fragmentation and PCR products for the TCRgamma variable region gene were found in the serum DNA of 10 patients until day 5. No DNA fragmentation or PCR products were found in the serum of patients who had had laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that transient T cell apoptosis occurs after major operations.