Background and aims: Recently, the concept of "Th1 (T helper cell type 1)/Th2 (T helper cell type 2) balance" was introduced for understanding the pathophysiologic response during septic or preseptic conditions. To clarify unknown Th1/Th2 balance during acute pancreatitis, functional alterations of the splenocyte were investigated in rat experimental severe acute pancreatitis.
Methods: Spleens were removed from rats 24 h after the induction of severe necrotizing pancreatitis by retrograde injection of 3% sodium deoxycholate. Total splenocytes were harvested and cultured in the presence or absence of concanavalin A (con A) for 24 h. Proliferative capacities and cytokine-releasing capacities were evaluated.
Results: In splenocytes harvested 24 h after the induction of pancreatitis, proliferative capacity with con A stimulation was significantly lower than that of sham operation. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) release with con A stimulation and interferon-gamma release with or without con A stimulation were significantly decreased in splenocytes from the rats with pancreatitis compared with those from sham operation. Interleukin-10 (IL-10) release with con A stimulation was also significantly decreased in splenocytes from the rats with pancreatitis compared with those from sham operation. The IL-2/IL-10 concentration ratio secreted by the splenocytes from the rats with pancreatitis was significantly lower than that from those undergoing the sham operation.
Conclusions: These results suggest that splenocyte function is markedly suppressed in experimental severe acute pancreatitis and that Th1/Th2 balance tends to Th1 suppression as a whole. Dysfunction of lymphocytes including splenocytes may play a certain role in the development of subsequent septic complications in this disease.
(c)2001 Elsevier Science.