Gender difference in the non-specific and specific immune response in humans.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this present ex vivo study is to get insight in the sex differences of the basic non-specific and specific immune response.


METHODS
Intracellular types 1 and 2 cytokine production by stimulated male and female lymphocytes and monocytes in a whole blood preparation was measured by flow cytometry.


RESULTS
Increased percentage interleukin (IL)-12, IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha producing monocytes and decreased percentage IL-2 producing lymphocytes, i.e. type 1 cytokine, were found in men as compared with women.


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest a gender difference in the balance between the specific and non-specific immune response, i.e. a more profound and higher state of excitation of the non-specific immune response and relative suppression of the cellular immune response of the specific immune system in men as compared with women.
Bouman
Annechien
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. roerdink.bouman@wxs.nl
Schipper
Martin
M
Heineman
Maas Jan
MJ
Faas
Marijke M
MM
D000328:Adult; D000001:Calcimycin / Q000494:pharmacology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate / Q000494:pharmacology
D016207:Cytokines; D000001:Calcimycin; D013755:Tetradecanoylphorbol Acetate