Expression and secretion of IL-2 receptor in trauma patients

A factor in septic (poisoning of the system by infection) complications after traumatic injury is the impaired function of T-lymphocytes. It is suggested that reduced ability for proliferation of lymphocytes is associated with activation of T-cell suppressors, as well as dysfunction of monocytes. Also, insufficient interleukin-2 (IL-2), a T-cell growth factor, production has been noted. IL-2 regulates the immune response through its high-affinity receptor (IL-2R). Alterations in IL-2R expression may result in impaired T-cell immune reactions. A form of IL-2R found in the blood is called Tac. The cellular expression of IL-2R and Tac in 20 blunt trauma patients, and in 20 burn patients was evaluated. It was found that the expression of Tac antigen was transiently reduced in 4 of 14 blunt trauma patients; blood levels of Tac were significantly elevated in 15 of 20 blunt trauma patients. All burn patients showed significant reduction in the percentage of IL-2R cells. Serum levels of IL-2R were significantly increased in burn patients. Additionally, it appears that persistently elevated IL-2R levels may indicate increased risk for sepsis. These findings suggest that major trauma, either by burns or mechanical injury, causes changes in the T-lymphocyte activation process. The degree and duration of these changes may vary with the type of injury. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)