The time factor in the beta-endorphin regulation of cytokines secretion in mice

Abstract

Endogenous opioid peptides play an important role in the regulation of immune processes. The purpose of the work was to study the effect of beta-endorphin on corticosterone levels in plasma of peripheral blood of mice, secretion of IL-2, IL-4 and IFN-γ by mouse splenocytes, and the production of IL-1β and IL-10 by peritoneal macrophages in vivo after 1 h and 6 hours after the administration of the peptide. Methods. Investigations were performed on mice weighing 22-25 grams. Beta-endorphin was administered once intraperitoneally at doses of 100-0,0005 μg/kg. One or six hours after the administration of beta-endorphin, the animals were withdrawn from the experiment, peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes were isolated for cultures. Results. It was found that the administration of beta-endorphin 1 hour before excretion animals from the experiment led to the suppression of spontaneous production of IL-1β by macrophages at doses of 100, 0.01, 0.0005 μg / kg. Administration of the peptide within 6 hours at a dose of 1 μg / kg resulted in inhibition of IL-1β production by stimulated macrophages. Βeta-endorphin reduced production of IL-10 in all doses, both at the administration of 1 h and 6 h before excretion animals from the experiment. The peptide enhanced Con A-induced production of IL-4 both 1 h and 6 h after injection. The production of IL-2 splenocytes was inhibited 1 h after the administration of the peptide and was stimulated 6 h after administration. On the production of IFN-γ the administration of β-endorphin had no effect. The concentration of corticosterone in the blood plasma of intact mice under the influence of β-endorphin did not changed. Conclusion. Beta-endorphin, despite rapid enzymatic cleavage in the body, is able to provide prolonged immunomodulatory effects, which can change their direction over time.