Evaluating Immunomodulatory Effects and Cytokine Changes by Propranolol Following Surgical Stress in Male Rats

Background: Surgery through different mechanisms causes immunosuppression in the postoperative period. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of preoperative administration of propranolol on blood levels of interleukin-۲ (IL-۲), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and hematological parameters, such as white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes. Methods: Forty-five Wistar male rats were divided into three groups. Group ۱ (normal control) was injected with normal saline. Groups ۲ and ۳ were injected subcutaneously with ۴ mg/kg of the propranolol (P۴) and ۸ mg/kg of the propranolol (P۸), respectively. Blood samples were collected (before, immediately, ۶, ۲۴, and ۷۲ hours after surgery). Then, the IL-۲, IFN-γ, TNF-α, WBCs, and lymphocytes levels were determined at different time points. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and the Pearson-test at a significant level of P≤۰.۰۵. Results: The results showed a higher level of IL-۲ in the P۸ and P۴ groups with a significant difference compared to the control group (P≤۰.۰۵). TNF-α was decreased significantly in the P۸ compared to the P۴ and control groups (P≤۰.۰۵). The P۴ has shown a lower level of IFN- γ compared to the P۸ and control groups with a significant difference (P≤۰.۰۵).Conclusion: It appears that propranolol has considerable immunomodulatory effects on immune responses. Therefore, perioperative use of propranolol may improve immune system function.

کلیدواژه ها:

Interleukin-۲ ، Interferon-γ ، Tumor necrosis factor-α ، Propranolol ، Surgical Stress