Killer-cell activity in alcohol-originated diseases of the liver, and the effect of alcohol on the K-cell functions under in vitro conditions.

Non-specific cell immunity and, within it, the change in K-cell activity, can be relevant in alcohol-induced diseases of the liver. It was examined for this reason how alcohol in its different concentrations influences the activity of K-cells under in vitro conditions. Furthermore, the cytotoxic capacity of K-cells was defined in 22 chronic alcoholics and 112 patients with alcohol induced hepatopathies. The latter were divided into subgroups. Cytotoxic capacity of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood was determined in a test against human red blood cells. 123 healthy volunteers made up the control group. A high concentration of alcohol was needed to impede K-cell capacity under in vitro conditions. It is supposed that the gradual growth in K-cell activity registered in cases of alcohol-induced hepatopathy may point--though only indirectly--to the development of an antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxic reaction.