Immune dysfunction following haemorrhage can be restored by interleukin 10 in males but not in females

Abstract

Abstract Background Recent studies have shown depressed immune responses following haemorrhagic shock in males, whereas they are enhanced in females. Furthermore, this results in a lower mortality rate in females following subsequent sepsis. Interleukin (IL) 10 has been shown to play a potential role in treatment of the early proinflammatory state following haemorrhagic shock. Although beneficial effects of treatment with IL-10 have been shown, it remains unclear whether the effects are sex related. Methods Male and female CBA/J mice were subjected to haemorrhage (35 ± 5 mmHg for 90 min and fluid resuscitation) or sham operation. At resuscitation each received either intraperitoneal recombinant murine IL-10 or placebo. In vitro splenic T cell responses were determined 48 h after resuscitation. Results IL-10 release of splenocytes was not enhanced after IL-10 treatment. Proinflammatory immune function was depressed (i.e. proliferation, IL-2, IFN-γ) in males receiving placebo compared with no change in females. IL-10 treatment restored the depressed proinflammatory immune response in males following haemorrhagic shock (Fig. 1). In contrast, the immune response in females receiving IL-10 was not significantly changed. However, IL-10 treatment of sham-operated male mice led to immune depression compared with placebo-treated animals. Conclusion Early IL-10 anti-inflammatory treatment following haemorrhage has potential beneficial effects in males only.