ISSN:
1365-2044
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
We have earlier found increased percentages of T helper cells (CD4-positive lymphocytes) in the blood circulation after propofol infusion anaesthesia. Cytokines interferon-γ (IFNγ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) are important in the differentiation of T helper cells into subtypes T helper type-1 (Th1) and type-2 (Th2). To study the effects of propofol emulsion, its solvent Intralipid® and thiopentone on Th1/Th2 balance, measurements of IFNγ and IL-4 production by mononuclear leucocytes were carried out in vitro. As IL-2 has a central role in immune responses to surgery, its production was also measured. Concanavalin A-stimulated mononuclear cells were cultured in the presence of propofol emulsion at 3.5 or 10 μg.ml−1, Intralipid® 35 or 100 μg.ml−1, or thiopentone 3 μg.ml−1. Cytokine production was measured from the conditioned media of mononuclear cell cultures. Decreased IFNγ (p 〈0.001) and IL-4 concentrations (p 〈 0.01) were found in the presence of thiopentone, but IL-2 production was unaffected. By contrast, propofol emulsion or Intralipid® had no effects on IFNγ, IL-2 or IL-4 concentrations. Propofol 10 μ.ml−1 increased the IFNγ/IL-4 ratio from the control value median 243 (162–562) (25th–75th percentile) to 363 (195–1028) (p 〈 0.01), but thiopentone decreased it to 145 (60–214) (p 〈 0.01). These findings show that propofol and thiopentone have different effects in vitro on Th1/Th2 balance and suggest that they have different modulating effects on the immune response.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2044.1997.95-pz0084.x
