SERUM NEOPTERIN LEVELS AS SCREENING PARAMETER FOR SPONGIOSA DONORS

HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leucocytes and additionally serum neopterin levels were measured in 100 potential spongiosa donors. HIV antibodies were negative in all patients, whereas in 24% neopterin levels were elevated (>10 nmol/l). Enhanced neopterin production is related to activity in cell-mediated immune response. In further investigations of these patients we found in 29% infections, 38% tumor diseases and 13% autoimmune diseases, all being exclusion criteria for spongiosa transplantion. In 3 patients increased neopterin values were the only pathological screening parameters. The measurement of serum neopterin levels showed to be a helpful parameter for the selection of spongiosa donors.