Patients with chronic renal failure show an immunodeficiency characterized by frequent infectious complications and a low response to vaccinations. This is paralleled in vitro by a low T-cell proliferation on mitogenic stimuli because of an impaired costimulation by accessory cells. Furthermore, alterations of the cytokine profile are correlated with impaired immune function. The immune system is influenced by both uremia and renal replacement therapy. To evaluate the influence of hemodialysis on immune parameters, we studied patients before and after the initiation of chronic hemodialysis therapy. Fourteen patients with end-stage renal failure were tested before dialysis initiation and during the first 6 weeks of hemodialysis treatment. We determined the in vitro T-cell proliferation, as well as plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the release of IL-6 and IL-10 into culture supernatant poststimulation with lipopolysaccharide. After 6 weeks of intermittent hemodialysis, in vitro T-cell proliferation on stimulation improved significantly (stimulation index, 21.6 +/- 18.5 versus 58.1 +/- 45.5; P < 0.01). This improvement occurred regardless of whether synthetic dialyzers or cellulosic membranes were used for the initiation of dialysis. Plasma IL-6 levels, as well as IL-6 and IL-10 secretion, did not change during the study period. In patients with end-stage renal disease, the initiation of hemodialysis led to a significant improvement of in vitro T-cell proliferation. This effect may have a role for an improvement of immune function in vivo. The expected normalization of IL-6 and IL-10 production may be masked by cytokine induction through hemodialysis membranes.