Abstract
PREVIOUS studies have demonstrated a state of decreased host resistance after surgery1–3. While the precise pathophysiological causes of this phenomenon are unknown, recent findings suggest that depression of the reticuloendothelial system (RES) may be involved4,5. Intravascular phagocytic clearance of foreign colloidal and particulate matter by the RES is highly dependent on the presence of circulating serum or plasma factors called “opsonins”6–8, so RE depression after surgery may be related to depression of opsonic activity. Indeed, the role of opsonins in resistance to infection9, and the findings of marked RE depression buring periods of plasma opsonin depletion6,7, suggest that ooth the reduced resistance and the depressed RE activity observed after surgery may be related to a functional depression of the opsonic system.
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SABA, T. Opsonin Depletion after Surgery. Nature 228, 781–783 (1970). https://doi.org/10.1038/228781a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/228781a0
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