Soğuk-Hareketsizlik Stresinin Farelerin Periferal Kanındaki Yardımcı T Hücre Yanıtına Etkisi

Abstract

Stress brings out a non-spesific response, modulating the immune system so blamed in pathophysiology of various diseases. Helper T (Th) lymphocytes have a central role both in acquired immune system response and in its control. The balance between subtypes of Th cells [Th1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T (Treg) cells] is the key for the survival and health of the organism. Since the effects of acute or chronic stress on immune system are different and the cell types effected in organisms facing AS or KS have ever been fully elucidated, in this study; we aimed to investigate the distributions and functions of Th cell subtypes in peripheral blood in AS or KS exposed mice. Adult male Swiss-albino mice were randomly placed into control (C), AS and KS groups (n=11/group). Cold-immobilization stress, combined protocol of free movement in cage at +40C for 2 h and restrained at room temperature for 2 h, was applied once for AS and in five consecutive days for KS protocols. Flow-cytometric lymphocyte subtyping and serum cortisol, IL-4, INF-γ and IL-17 cytokine level determinations were carried out in the blood samples. After blood withdrawal the experiments were terminated by exsanguination and anesthesia overdose. Control animals were sacrificed at corresponding times to the stress groups. Results were evaluated by SPSS programme. AS and KS protocols increased the number of leukocytes (p<0.05), didn’t alter the total number of Th cells but changed distribution. Treg cells increased in the AS group (p<0.05). Cytokine profiles differed in AS and KS groups. While INF-γ and IL-17 were highest in the AS group (p <0.05), IL-4 was observed at its highest value in the KS group (p <0.05). Cold/immobilization stress altered the IS response in mice under acute or chronic conditions. AS resulted in a shift towards Th1/Th17 mediated cellular response whereas KS caused a Th2 mediated humoral shift in immune system response. The effect on Treg cell percentages are duration dependent, changing the balance between effector Th and Treg cells. Stress induced modulation observed in Th cells may be an explanation for diseases related with dys/malfunction of IS.