Opium Induces Apoptosis in Jurkat Cells

Background: The direct effect of some opioids on immune cells has been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to assess the apoptotic effect of opium on Jurkat T lymphocyte cells. Methods: Different concentrations of opium (۲.۸۶ × ۱۰-۳ to ۲.۸۶ × ۱۰-۱۱ g/ml) were added to ۲۴-well plates containing ۵ × ۱۰۵ Jurkat cells. Apoptotic events were assessed after ۶, ۲۴, and ۷۲ hours by flow-cytometric detection of surface phosphatidylserine. Findings: Significant differences in apoptosis of Jurkat cells were seen at ۲۴ and ۷۲ hours in different concentrations of opium (P < ۰.۰۵). After ۷۲ hours, significant increase in necrosis of Jurkat cells was seen in opium concentration of ۲.۸۵ × ۱۰-۳ g/ml compared to cells without opium (control) (P < ۰.۰۵). Conclusion: These results showed that opium directly increases apoptosis and necrosis of T lymphocytes. This effect may play a role in immune dysfunction in opium addicts.Keywords: Opium, Apoptosis, Necrosis, Jurkat cells