The effect of zinc on cellular immunity in chronic uremia.

Delayed hypersensitivity to mumps was examined in 25 apparently well-nourished men receiving regular hemodialysis, each of whom had a history of mumps. A positive reaction was observed in eight of nine patients already under therapy with zinc added to the dialysis bath. In contrast, 11 of 16 untreated patients were anergic. Four of the anergic patients were subsequently treated with zinc resulting in restoration of sensitivity in three patients. There were no significant differences in lymphocyte, monocyte, or T-cell counts between the two groups of patients. Consequently, zinc probably acts by improving the function of one or more of these cell types. Protracted zinc deficiency may be a major cause of impaired cellular immunity in chronic renal failure.