Dopamine affects cellular immune functions during polymicrobial sepsis.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether infusion of dopamine modulates cellular immune functions and survival during systemic inflammation.


METHODS
Randomized animal study, university research laboratory, Level I trauma center.


METHODS
Male NMRI mice.


METHODS
Mice were subjected to laparotomy (sham intervention, LAP) or polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Mice in each of these conditions received either an intraperitoneal infusion of 0.9% saline (CLP/saline; LAP/saline) or an intraperitoneal infusion of dopamine (1.0 microg/kg/min i.p., CLP/DOP; LAP/DOP). Metabolic data and survival were monitored 24 h and 48 h after onset of sepsis, and animals were terminated 48 h after induction of sepsis to determine splenocyte apoptosis (Annexin V binding capacity), splenocyte proliferation (3H-Thymidine incorporation assay), splenocyte IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-gamma release (ELISA) and leukocyte distribution (WBC; CD3, CD4, CD8, B220, F4/80, NK1.1).


RESULTS
Infusion of dopamine in septic mice increased splenocyte apoptosis and decreased splenocyte proliferation and IL-2 release of septic mice. Furthermore, an inhibitory effect of dopamine infusion on splenocyte proliferation and the release of the TH1-cytokines IL-2 and IFN-gamma was observed in sham operated control mice. These effects were paralleled by a decreased survival of dopamine-treated septic animals (47% vs. 67%). Treatment with DOP did not affect sepsis-induced changes of leukocyte distribution.


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that dopamine is capable of modulating cellular immune functions in a murine model of sepsis.
Department of Trauma Surgery, University Hospital of Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122, Essen, Germany. reineroberbeck@hotmail.com
Reiner
R
Oberbeck
Daniel
D
Schmitz
Klaus
K
Wilsenack
Mark
M
Schüler
Baher
B
Husain
Manfred
M
Schedlowski
Michael S
MS
Exton
D000818:Animals; D004298:Dopamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015259:Dopamine Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005858:Germany; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D023421:Models, Animal; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation; D018805:Sepsis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000382:microbiology; D016019:Survival Analysis
D015259:Dopamine Agents; D004298:Dopamine