Figure 2From: Prospective analysis of human leukocyte functional tests reveals metal sensitivity in patients with hip implantThe effect of various metals and PHA on IFN-γ production of patients’ leukocytes. The effect of various metals (Ti 0.01 mM, Co 0.1 mM, Cr 0.1 mM, Ni 0.1 mM) and PHA (0.1 mg/ml) on IFN-γ production of patients’ leukocytes in group 3 is shown. Cells were untreated or treated as indicated. (a) (unreactive) it is clearly demonstrated that metal challenge did not influence significantly the cytokine release before and after the surgery. (b) (reactive) however, Co, Cr, and Ti increased the IFN-γ secretion significantly 3 months after surgery in 21% (8 patients) of group 3, which was increased up to 30% (12 patients) after 36 months, distinguishing a subgroup referred here as metal-sensitive patients in group 3. Positive control PHA increased IFN-γ production significantly in each experiment. Columns represent means + SD, level of significance is shown, *p < 0.05. Note that Ni did not influence IFN-γ secretion significantly.Back to article page