Abstract: Objective To investigate the lymphocyte subset changes in uremic patients. Methods Peripheral blood cells of uremic patients and normal corntrols were differentially counted with automated blood cell counter. Lymphocyte subsets stained with monoclonal antibodys labeled with fluorescent against CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD16, CD19, CD56, IFN-γ and IL4 were examined by three-color flow-cytometry. Results Lymphopenia , both percentage value and absolute counts, and increased percentage of NK cells were found in uremic patients(P＜0.005). The HD patients showed decreased B lymphocyte (4.33±1.69% Vs 9.49±3.30% P=0.001) and increased percentage of monocyte (75.6±9.68% VS 63.98±12.82% P = 0.039) compared with those without receiving HD therarpy. The number of leukocyte and the percentage of CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ showed no significant changes among uremic patients and control group. The Th1/Th2 ratio was decreased markedly in uremic patients (P＜0.05). Conclusions Uremic patients showed Th2 predominance. LYmphopenia and Th1/Th2 imbalance may contribute to the immuno-insufficiency in HD patients.

Key words: Lymphopenia, B lymphocyte, Th1 cell, Th2 cell, Flowcytometry