Levels of interleukin-8, interleukin-4 and tumor necrosis factor-α of neonatal mouse with systemic inflammatory response syndrome treated by different doses of dexamethasone

Abstract

Objective To observe the expression levels of IL-8, IL-4, TNF-α of neonatal mouse with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) treated by different doses of dexamethasone. Methods A total of 50 neonatal mice were randomly divided into five groups: blank control group, saline control group and treatment group A, B, C. The saline control group and treatment groups were established into SIRS models, treatment group A: a single high-dose of dexamethasone (2 mg/kg), subcutaneous injection (SC); treatment group B: two doses of dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, q12 h, total 2 mg/kg, SC); treatment group C: four doses of dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, q12 h, total 2 mg/kg, SC); saline control group: saline of the same volume (0.4 ml/kg, SC). All mice were detected IL-4, IL-8, TNF-α by ELISA 72 hours after animal models being completed. Results The levels of IL-4, IL-8, TNF-α in saline control group and treatment group A, B, C were higher than those in blank control group respectively (P 0.05). Conclusion Dexamethasone could lower the expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-8, TNF-α and anti-inflammatory factor IL-8 of neonatal mouse with SIRS, and the effect of multiple low-doses of dexamethasone on SIRS is significantly better than a single high dose. Key words: Systemic inflammatory response syndrome; Dexamethasone; Cytokine