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Influence of nicotine on monocyte phenotype and function
H W Ziegler-Heitbrock1, C Thiel, G Riethmüller
1Institut für Immunologie, Universität München.
Klinische Wochenschrift
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Smoking does not affect monocyte class II antigen expression. However, smokers exhibit lower tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production, a finding not replicated by in vitro nicotine exposure.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Monocytes play a crucial role in immune responses.
- Class II antigens on monocytes are important for antigen presentation.
- Smoking is known to impact immune function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of smoking on monocyte class II antigen expression.
- To assess tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production in smokers versus nonsmokers.
- To determine the in vitro effect of nicotine on monocyte class II expression and TNF production.
Main Methods:
- Double marker analysis and flow cytometry were used to quantify class II antigen expression on monocytes.
- The Wehi 164/ActD 51Cr-release assay was employed to measure TNF production.
- In vitro experiments involved treating monocytes with nicotine.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in class II antigen expression was observed between smokers (78.8%) and nonsmokers (79.3%).
- In vitro nicotine treatment did not alter monocyte class II expression.
- Smokers demonstrated a two-fold lower TNF production compared to nonsmokers.
- In vitro nicotine exposure did not reduce lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced TNF production.
Conclusions:
- Smoking does not appear to alter monocyte class II antigen expression.
- Reduced TNF production in smokers may be independent of direct nicotine effects on monocytes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms behind decreased TNF production in smokers.