Differential immunologic effects of language-dominant and nondominant cerebral resections

Meador, Kimford J. MD
De Lecuona, Juan M. MD
Helman, Sandra W. PhD
Loring, David W. PhD

From the Departments of Neurology (Drs. Meador, De Lecuona, and Loring), Pharmacology/Toxicology (Dr. Meador), Surgery (Dr. Helman), and Psychiatry (Dr. De Lecuona), Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA.

Received June 6, 1998. Accepted in final form December 24, 1998.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr. Kimford J. Meador, Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, 1120 15th Street (BAA335), Augusta, GA 30912.

Neurology 52(6):p 1183-1187, April 12, 1999.

Article abstract

Objective:

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.

Background:

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.

Methods:

Pre- and postoperative changes in T-cell indices were examined in relation to side of language dominance in patients undergoing epilepsy surgery.

Results:

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.

Conclusions:

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.