IN-VIVO AND IN-VITRO COCAINE MODULATION ON PRODUCTION OF CYTOKINES M-C57BL 6 MICE/

In the present study we used both in vivo and in vitro murine models t o investigate the effects of cocaine on the release of cytokines IL-1 alpha, IL-6, and TNF-alpha by peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IFN-gamma produced by splenocytes. In vit ro cocaine (0.1, 1, 10, 100 mu g/ml) exposure inhibited all cytokines produced by ConA-stimulated spleen cells and LPS-stimulated macrophage s in a concentration dependent manner. Different effects of cocaine ad ministration on cytokine production were observed when female C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with cocaine (40 mg/kg body weigh t for six weeks). Secretion ofIL-2 by splenocytes was significantly en hanced by cocaine administration, whereas IFN-gamma was not affected. Secretion of IL-4 and IL-10 by splenocytes was significantly inhibited by cocaine administration, while secretion of IL-5 by splenocytes was significantly enhanced. Secretion of IL-6 and TNF-alpha by splenocyte s was significantly enhanced by cocaine administration. Secretion of I L-6 by peritoneal macrophages was also significantly enhanced by the c ocaine, while production of IL-1 alpha was not affected. However, rele ase of TNF-alpha by peritoneal macrophages was significantly reduced b y the cocaine administration. Therefore use of cocaine may alter the b alance of cytokine production, and thereby adversely affects immune re sponse and host defense.