The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on hemorrhage-induced suppression of cellular immune function.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) improves cellular immune functions after hemorrhagic shock.


METHODS
Prospective controlled study in a research laboratory at an university medical center.


METHODS
Male NMRI mice.


METHODS
Animals received 0.9% saline or DHEA (20 mg/kg subcutaneously) before induction of a volume-controlled hemorrhagic shock (55% of estimated circulating blood volume) by retro-orbital puncture. One hour after hemorrhage mice underwent fluid resuscitation by intravenous infusion of lactated Ringer's solution (300% of the shed blood). Separate groups of mice were killed to obtain whole blood and spleen 1 h after hemorrhage, 1 h after fluid resuscitation, and 24 h after hemorrhage to determine lymphocyte distribution (CD4(+), CD8(+), NK1.1-AG(+)), splenocyte apoptosis, and plasma concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10.


RESULTS
Hemorrhage in control mice was associated with a rapid increase in circulating NK cell numbers. Elevated splenocyte apoptosis, an increased CD4/CD8 ratio, and decreased number of circulating CD8(+) T-cells was observed 24 h after hemorrhagic shock. DHEA administration was accompanied by a normalization of splenocyte apoptosis and lymphocyte migration. Induction of hemorrhagic shock did not affect TNF-alpha or IL-10 plasma concentrations in either treatment group.


CONCLUSIONS
DHEA administration improves cellular immune function after hemorrhage and may therefore be beneficial in patients with hemorrhagic shock.
Oberbeck
Reiner
R
Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Germany. reineroberbeck@hotmail.com
Nickel
Eike
E
von Griensven
Marthijn
M
Tschernig
Thomas
T
Wittwer
Tobias
T
Schmitz
Daniel
D
Pape
Hans-Christoph
HC
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects*; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000097:blood; D007694:Killer Cells, Natural / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012771:Shock, Hemorrhagic / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013154:Spleen / Q000473:pathology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000378:metabolism
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D016753:Interleukin-10; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone