Changes in cytokine levels and CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio in draining lymph node of burn wound

The aim of this study was to determine the changes of cytokine levels in draining lymph fluid and the changes of CD4+/CD8+ T-cells ratio in draining lymph node of burn wound. Male Wistar rats were subjected to unilateral hind limb burn (burn limbs group) and contralateral hind limb without burn (control limbs group). On hours 6, 24, and 72 after burn, rats were killed; lymph fluid in the efferent lymph trunk of the common iliac lymph nodes (CILN) were collected; and lymph fluid Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), interleukin-4 (IL-4) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) concentrations were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio of CILN was submitted to flow cytometry. The results showed TNF-alpha concentrations were significantly greater in the burn limbs group when compared with the control limbs group (P < .05). The IFN-gamma/IL-4 ratio was significantly lower (P < .05). The CD4+/CD8+ T-cell ratio was significantly lower on postburn hours 72 (P < .05). This study provides evidence that the burn wound can increase TNF-alpha levels and decrease IFN-gamma/ IL-4 ratio in the draining lymph fluid and decrease CD4+/CD8+ T cells ratio in the draining lymph node.