Lymphoblastic stimulation in chronic alcoholic patients with or without hepatic cirrhosis

Objective. To study whether there exists a functional change in lymphocytes in chronic alcoholic patients compared with chronic alcoholic cirrhotic patients, An open, prospective study was performed of the in vitro proliferative response (lymphoblastic transformation) of lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin, mitogen pokeweed, and concanavalin A. Patients. 73 males (51.4 +/- 12 years) divided on the basis of alcoholic intake and/or chronic liver disease in: social drinkers (< 80 g ethanol/day), 23; excessive drinkers (80-160 g ethanol/day), 14; chronic alcoholics (> 160 g ethanol/day), 21; and cirrhotic patients with no current alcohol consume, 15 cases. Results. In social drinkers, excessive drinkers and cirrhotic patients similar proliferative responses to mitogens were observed, with no significant differences between groups. Conclusions. Our findings support the concept that chronic alcoholism has immunosuppressive effects which precede the emergence of liver cirrhosis.