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Early alteration in leukocyte populations and Th1/Th2 function in ethanol-consuming mice
S Starkenburg1, M E Munroe, C Waltenbaugh
1Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611-3073, USA.
Insights
Ethanol consumption rapidly impairs immune function, decreasing splenic cellularity and Th1 responses while increasing Th2 responses, indicated by elevated IgE levels. This study reveals early immune alterations from alcohol intake.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Toxicology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Chronic alcohol consumption shifts immune responses away from Th1-mediated immunity.
- Investigating early immune parameter alterations during ethanol exposure is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine early changes in splenic leukocyte cellularity and surface phenotype.
- To assess alterations in Th1 and Th2 immune function during ethanol consumption.
Main Methods:
- Mice were fed ethanol-containing or control liquid diets for up to 12 days.
- Splenic leukocytes were analyzed for phenotype and function (IFNgamma production).
- Serum IgE and alcohol levels were measured.
Main Results:
- Phenotypic and functional immune alterations occurred within days of alcohol consumption.
- Ethanol reduced splenic B and NK cell numbers and MHC class II expression.
- Th1 function (IFNgamma) decreased, while Th2 function (IgE) increased.
Conclusions:
- Ethanol consumption rapidly decreases splenic cellularity and Th1 function.
- A rapid increase in systemic IgE levels indicates a Th2 shift.
- Early immune dysregulation occurs with ethanol exposure.
Background:
Chronic alcohol consumption polarizes the immune response away from Th1-mediated cell-mediated immunity. In the present report we investigate the first onset of alteration in immune parameters during ethanol consumption in terms of changes in splenic leukocyte cellularity and surface phenotype as well as alterations in Th1 and Th2 function.
Methods:
BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were fed ethanol-containing liquid diets, were pair-fed an isocaloric liquid control diet, or were fed solid diet and water ad libitum for up to 12 days. At intervals during the feeding period, splenic leukocytes were assessed for phenotypic markers by flow cytometry and for their ability to support antigen-induced interferon-gamma (IFNgamma) production in a coculture system. Mice were bled at intervals throughout the feeding period, and serum immunoglobin E (IgE) and alcohol levels were determined.
Results:
Data show that phenotypic and functional alterations occur within the first few days of alcohol consumption. Both liquid diets affect splenic cellularity, and by dietary day 5, ethanol-containing liquid diets further reduce B and NK cell numbers. The decline in B cells is accompanied by a concomitant decline in the amount of major histocompatibility complex class II expressed on this population. Functional alteration in Th1-mediated IFNgamma production occurred in the population fed ethanol-containing liquid diets by dietary day 5. Th2 function, as indicated by systemic serum IgE levels in these unimmunized mice, is increased by dietary day 6 to 8 and correlated with significant blood alcohol levels.
Conclusions:
Ethanol consumption by mice causes a rapid decrease in splenic cellularity accompanied by a decrease in Th1 function and a rapid increase in systemic IgE levels.
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