Differential immunologic effects of language-dominant and nondominant cerebral resections

• Published in: Neurology Vol. 52; no. 6; p. 1183
• Main Authors: Meador, K J, De Lecuona, J M, Helman, S W, Loring, D W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 12.04.1999
• Subjects: Adult; Analysis of Variance; Brain - immunology; Brain - surgery; Epilepsy - immunology; Epilepsy - surgery; Female; Humans; Language; Leukocyte Count; Male; Middle Aged; T-Lymphocytes - immunology
• ISSN: 0028-3878
• DOI: 10.1212/wnl.52.6.1183

To demonstrate whether the cerebral hemispheres (language dominant versus nondominant) affect immune function differentially in humans by delineating the effects of resections for epilepsy surgery on T-cell indices. Cerebral lateralization has been postulated to affect immunomodulation. Differential effects of left versus right cerebral lesions on T-cell numbers and responsiveness have been demonstrated in animals, but the effects in humans are unclear. Pre- and postoperative changes in T-cell indices were examined in relation to side of language dominance in patients undergoing epilepsy surgery. Absolute lymphocyte count, total T cells (CD3+), helper T cells (CD3+4+), cytotoxic/suppressor cells (CD3+8+), and total suppressor cells (CD8+) were reduced after language-dominant resections, but were increased after nondominant resections. Although the mechanisms are not fully elucidated, the results demonstrate differential immunologic responses in humans to focal cerebral lesions as a function of cerebral lateralization.