The immunologic reactions in interface membranes of aseptic loosened prostheses / 中华骨科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the immunologic reactions around prosthesis and the relationship between immunologic reactions and aseptic loosening. Methods Nine specimens of bone- implant interface membranes obtained during revision of loosened total joint replacements were examined in order to investigate the evidence of hypersensitivity. T lymphocytes and it's subgroup (CD 3, CD 4, CD 8),macrophages (CD 68),IL－ 2 receptor (CD 25) and HLA－ DR antigens were demonstrated by immunohistochemistry on tissue sections. The relationship between the changes of T lymphocytes and inflammatory reactions was also evaluated. Results Histological examinations showed granuloma with a plenty of macrophages and foreign body giant cells in all sections of interface membranes. The number of T lymphocytes increased in five of nine cases, and three of them expressed IL－ 2 receptor. The distribution of T lymphocytes and subpopulations was similar in all cases. The increase of T lymphocytes and IL－ 2 receptor expression showed positive correlation with an increase of macrophages and inflammation reactions. Conclusion Hypersensitivity to the prosthetic materials can exist after total joint replacement. Hypersensitivity may be one of the reasons of prosthetic aseptic loosening.