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Chronic & infrequent opioid exposure suppresses IL-2R expression on rhesus monkey peripheral blood mononuclear cells
D J Carr1, G W Carpenter, H H Garza
1Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, LSU Medical Center, New Orleans 70112-1393, USA.
Abstract:
In the present investigation, infrequent and chronic (daily) exposure of rhesus monkeys to morphine was investigated for their effect on cytokine receptor expression, interleukin (IL)-2-production, and the nuclear factor kappa B (NF kappa B) levels following stimulation with PWM. In a time-dependent manner, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from both infrequent- and daily-morphine treated monkeys displayed significantly less (40 +/- 7%) IL-2 receptor compared to PBMCs from saline-treated controls. However, PBMCs from chronic opioid- and infrequent opioid-treated monkeys displayed similar levels of IL-4 and IL-7 receptors compared to saline-treated animals. Following stimulation with PWM, PBMCs from chronic opioid-treated monkeys produced elevated levels of IL-2 (870 +/- 94 pg/ml) compared to IL-2 levels (463 +/- 88 pg/ml) of PBMCs from saline-treated monkey. Likewise, PBMCs from chronic-morphine exposed monkeys had elevated levels (43%) of NF kappa B compared to PBMCs from saline-treated (control) monkeys following 72 hours in culture with PWM. Collectively, these observations suggest morphine regulates selective molecular events that manifest in biologically altered immune function including T cell activation and IL-2 production.
Insights
Morphine exposure in rhesus monkeys alters immune cell function. Studies show reduced IL-2 receptors but increased IL-2 production and NF kappa B levels, impacting T cell activation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid use can modulate immune responses.
- Understanding morphine's effects on immune cells is crucial for clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of infrequent and chronic morphine exposure on rhesus monkey immune cells.
- To assess changes in cytokine receptor expression, IL-2 production, and NF kappa B activation.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkeys were exposed to morphine (infrequent or daily) or saline.
- Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were analyzed for cytokine receptor expression (IL-2, IL-4, IL-7).
- IL-2 production and NF kappa B levels were measured after stimulation with pokeweed mitogen (PWM).
Main Results:
- Both infrequent and chronic morphine exposure reduced IL-2 receptor expression on PBMCs.
- Chronic morphine exposure increased IL-2 production and NF kappa B levels in PBMCs.
- IL-4 and IL-7 receptor levels remained unchanged across treatment groups.
Conclusions:
- Morphine exposure selectively alters immune cell molecular events.
- These alterations affect T cell activation and IL-2 production.
- Findings suggest a complex interaction between morphine and immune function.