[Monocyte function in chronic uremia (author's transl)].

Monocyte function studies in vitro have been performed in 21 patients with terminal, dialysis-treated uremia and, in parallel, in 21 healthy normal subjects. In uremia the attachment, spreading activity, and reduction of nitroblue tetrazolium were shown to be significantly enhanced, indicating a metabolic activation of the monocytes. The phagocytosis of IgG-coated red cells, however, was significantly impaired. A modification of the monocyte IgG-receptor in uremic conditions is supposed; its relevance for the immunosuppression in uremic states is discussed.