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Effects of propofol emulsion and thiopentone on T helper cell type‐1/type‐2 balance in vitro
Author(s) -
Salo M.,
Pirttikangas CO.,
Pulkki K.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1997.95-pz0084.x
Subject(s) - propofol , peripheral blood mononuclear cell , medicine , concanavalin a , cytokine , in vitro , interleukin 2 , immune system , interferon gamma , emulsion , immunology , endocrinology , pharmacology , biology , biochemistry
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.