EFFECT OF MAJOR SURGERY ON THE RELEASE OF INTERFERON-GAMMA BY PERIPHERAL-BLOOD MONONUCLEAR-CELLS - AN INVESTIGATION AT THE SINGLE CELL LEVEL USING THE REVERSE HEMOLYTIC PLAQUE-ASSAY

The release of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm repair was measured using the reverse haemolytic plaque assay. The plasma of these patients was also assayed for interferon gamma using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from the surgical patients released significantly more IFN-γ by 9 hours after incision than that released prior to surgery (P < 0.001). This change persisted up to 9 days after surgery. Plasma IFN-γ was not detectable using either of two different ELISA techniques. The increased secretion of IFN-γ by peripheral blood mononuclear cells following major surgery may be a beneficial component of the host's immune response to injury. © 1992.