Effects of naproxen on the hypobaric hypoxia-induced immune changes in male rats

Some cell-mediated immune responses are altered in hypobaric hypoxic (HH) condition in rats. Prostaglandins (PGs) are increased in hypobaric hypoxia and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to facilitate acclimatization in high altitude by inhibiting PGs. The present study explores the role of PGs in hypobaric hypoxia-induced immune responses by inhibiting its synthesis with different doses of naproxen. The rats were exposed to HH condition at 18,000 ft in a simulated chamber for 8 h/day for 6 days. The phagocytic activity of circulating blood WBC, measured by fluorescein isothiocyanate-tagged bacterial cell, was increased in HH and this change was blocked after administration of naproxen. There was reduction of natural killer cell cytotoxicity of splenic mononuclear cell and delayed type of hypersensitivity responses to bovine serum albumin in rats exposed to HH condition but these immune responses were blocked after administration of naproxen in HH condition. The leukocytes adhesive inhibition index was not altered in HH condition and after administration of naproxen in HH condition. The serum corticosterone (CORT) concentration was increased in rats exposed to HH condition and this elevated CORT concentration was blocked after administration of naproxen in HH condition. The observed HH-induced immune changes are inhibited by naproxen in a dose-dependent manner. The study indicates that hypobaric hypoxia-induced immune changes are mediated by PGs.