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Macrophage functions in drugs of abuse-treated mice
R Pacifici1, S Di Carlo, A Bacosi
1Clinical Biochemistry Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
Abstract:
The in vivo effect of morphine, methadone and cocaine on murine peritoneal macrophage-mediated cytostasis and macrophage supernatant mediated cytostasis was investigated. In addition, the activity of drugs of abuse was studied on IL-1 alpha and TNF production by activated murine macrophages. A highly depressive effect on macrophage-mediated cytostatic activity and a decrease of IL-1 alpha and TNF levels were found in the supernatants of activated macrophages observed in morphine- and cocaine-treated mice. Conversely, a significant impairment of macrophage functions was not observed in methadone-treated mice. Our results suggest that the inhibition of macrophage defensive functions caused by drugs of abuse may be an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.
Insights
Morphine and cocaine impair immune cell functions, increasing infection risk. Methadone did not show significant impairment of these macrophage defensive functions in mice.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Drugs of abuse can impact immune system function.
- Macrophages play a critical role in host defense against pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo effects of morphine, methadone, and cocaine on murine macrophage functions.
- To assess the impact of these drugs on macrophage-mediated cytostasis and cytokine production.
Main Methods:
- Murine peritoneal macrophages were isolated and treated in vivo with morphine, methadone, or cocaine.
- Macrophage-mediated cytostasis was measured.
- Levels of Interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) in macrophage supernatants were quantified.
Main Results:
- Morphine and cocaine significantly reduced macrophage-mediated cytostatic activity.
- Treatment with morphine and cocaine led to decreased levels of IL-1 alpha and TNF in macrophage supernatants.
- Methadone did not cause significant impairment of macrophage functions.
Conclusions:
- Morphine and cocaine inhibit crucial macrophage defensive functions.
- This inhibition of immune cell activity by drugs of abuse may contribute to the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.