Abstract
The role of gonadal hormones and persistent pain (formalin test) in the regulation of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in splenocytes was investigated in male and female rats. Animals were either sham-operated (Intact) or gonadectomized (GDX) and, 3 weeks later, were subcutaneously injected with formalin (50 μl, 10%) or only pricked with a syringe needle in the dorsal hind paw. Sixty minutes after treatment the animals were deeply anesthetized and the spleens were dissected under aseptic conditions. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta for measurement of plasma steroids. IFN-γ production was determined in vitro in the splenocytes after Con A stimulation. Splenocytes of Intact females showed higher IFN-γ production than those of Intact males. This sex difference disappeared in GDX animals because of the lower levels in GDX females. Formalin decreased IFN-γ in both Intact and GDX groups. In females, there was a positive correlation between IFN-γ production in splenocytes and plasma estradiol levels. The present data demonstrate a sex difference in IFN-γ production (due to the immunostimulating effect of estradiol in females) and an immunodepressive role of pain in both sexes.
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