Objective:To study the effect of
subcutaneous implants containing levonorgestrel on T cell subsets and
immune function of red cell Subjects:159 women using subcutaneous implants containing levonorgestrel, and 31 women as contral were studied. Methods:T cell subsets were detected with alkaline phosphatase anti alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) technique. Immune function of red cell were measured in erythrocyte C3b receptor rosette test (RBC C3bRR) erythrocyte immune complex rosette test (RBC ICR) and direct tumor erythrocyte rosette test. Results: It was found that the CD3、CD4、CD8 cell and CD4/CD8 ratio showed no significant difference between treatment subjects and the controls ( P >0.05). The rates of RBC C3bRR, RBC ICR in women using implants for 0.5～ years were significantly higher than normal controls ( P <0 05, P <0.01). The immune function of red cell in women with other durations had no significant difference ( P >0.05). Conclusion: Subcutaneous implants containing levonorgestrel had no effect on T cell subsets. Immune function of red cell was temporarily higher. The possible reason may be the direct effection of drug and the stimulation of local inflammation caused by vaginal hemorrhage.