Changes in Lymphoid Cell Distribution After Intraperitoneal Administration of 32p Colloids

Abstract

The effect of intraperitoneal administration of ³²P colloids on the distribution of T lymphocyte subpopulations and monocytes was studied using monoclonal antibodies and a flow cytometry technique. Thirty-nine patients with ovarian carcinoma without residual tumor after primary operation were examined either before the administration of 260 to 370 MBq of ³²P, 4 to 6 days after therapy, or 4 to 10 months after therapy. A significant reduction of circulating OKT4+ (T helper) cells occurred after therapy, and the reduction lasted throughout the observation period. Monocyte numbers were not significantly changed. It is concluded that intraperitoneal instillation of the ³²P isotope may induce the same type of changes in circulating lymphoid cells as those seen after external field irradiation.