The effects of immunosuppressive agents on inflammatory response in septic rats

Abstract

Abstract Sepsis remains a serious clinical problems resulting in high morbidity and mortality. We aimed to investigate the inflammatory response in a septic rat model treated with immunomodulator agents. We used the cecal ligature and puncture model to establish septic peritonitis in rats. Male Wistar-Albino rats were randomized into groups of seven rats each and assigned different regimens: Tacrolimus 1 mg/kg/day, cyclosporin-A 5 mg/kg/day and methylprednisolone 15 mg/kg/day. These immunsuppressive agents were applied at the 6 and 48 hour intraperitoneally. The animals were euthanized after 6 and 48 hours and systemic parameters including, IL-2, IL-6, TNF-a, CRP, AST and creatinine were examined. Our study demonstrated that the experimental peritonitis model caused a meaningful rise in the values of systemic parameters. This was especially apparent for early-applied cyclosporin A; in addition, tacrolimus significantly decreased the levels both at the 6 and 48 hour. The excess immune response in complex sepsis treatment might be restrained using immunosuppressive agents administered early. Although additional supportive, comprehensive, experimental and clinical studies are still needed, this therapy model may prove to be an alternative for the future.