Analysis of cytokine profile in female mice subject to a sick partner coexistence

Abstract

Recent studies have shown the importance of the complex and reciprocal interactions between the central nervous system (CNS) and immune (SI), which as called psychoneuroimmunology or neuroimmunomodulation. Stressful situations attest the existence of the neuroimmune interactions, observed during the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and the Autonomic Nervous System Sympathetic (SNAS) with release of glucocorticoids and catecholamine respectively, that modify the immune system. In these situations, the organic resistance decrease due to the reduction of innate and adaptive immune function. In contrast, cytokines released during immune processes are able to reach the CNS via the systemic circulation, producing neurochemical and behavioral changes, e.g., "sickness behavior". Previously, our laboratory has shown that the long term cohabitation (11 to 14 days) of mice with a conspecific inoculated with Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) is a stressful situation. Under these conditions, animals that cohabitate with "sick animals have presented relevant behavioral changes (increased motor activity), neurochemical (increased turnover noradrenaline in the hypothalamus), neuroendocrine (increased serum levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline, but not corticosterone) and immune (reduction in activity of macrophages and neutrophils, decreased resistance to organic immune challenges, etc.). It is well known that the release of glucocorticoids and catecholamines modulates the transcription of several cytokines, changing Th1/Th2 cytokines profile. Despite the large number of innate and acquired immune data reported by our research group in studies with cohabitation with TAE situation, we have not analyzed the possible involvement of cytokines in this context. This study aims to analyze the Th1 and Th2 cytokine profile after LPS inoculation in conspecific mice that cohabitate with mice inoculated with TAE during 14 days. The involvement of SNAS will also be analyzed applying a pharmacological tool, a ²-adrenoceptor blocker, the d-l, propranolol. (AU)