Functional alterations of splenocytes in severe acute pancreatitis

Recently, the concept of "Th1 (T helper cell type 1)/Th2 (T helper cell type 2) balance" was introduced for understanding the pathophysiologic response during septic or preseptic conditions. To clarify unknown Th1/Th2 balance during acute pancreatitis, functional alterations of the splenocyte were investigated in rat experimental severe acute pancreatitis.

Spleens were removed from rats 24 h after the induction of severe necrotizing pancreatitis by retrograde injection of 3% sodium deoxycholate. Total splenocytes were harvested and cultured in the presence or absence of concanavalin A (con A) for 24 h. Proliferative capacities and cytokine-releasing capacities were evaluated.

In splenocytes harvested 24 h after the induction of pancreatitis, proliferative capacity with con A stimulation was significantly lower than that of sham operation. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) release with con A stimulation and interferon-gamma release with or without con A stimulation were significantly decreased in splenocytes from the rats with pancreatitis compared with those from sham operation. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) release with con A stimulation was also significantly decreased in splenocytes from the rats with pancreatitis compared with those from sham operation. The IL-2/IL-10 concentration ratio secreted by the splenocytes from the rats with pancreatitis was significantly lower than that from those undergoing the sham operation.

These results suggest that splenocyte function is markedly suppressed in experimental severe acute pancreatitis and that Th1/Th2 balance tends to Th1 suppression as a whole. Dysfunction of lymphocytes including splenocytes may play a certain role in the development of subsequent septic complications in this disease.