Granulocyte chemiluminescence activity, antibody production and percentageof CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes in peripheral blood of offspring of salbutamol-treated pregnant C3H mice

Preterm delivery is one of the most important problems in obstetric care. O ne of commonly used treatment of such high risk cases is salbutamol-beta(2) adrenoceptor agonist. The aim of present study was to determine if such tr eatment causes any changes in neonatal immune system and therefore should b e considered in newborn care. The experiments were performed in 4-5- and 6- 7-week-old female and male offspring of salbutamol treated C3H inbred mice. In the present study chemiluminescent activity of peripheral blood granulo cytes, percentage of CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes and antibody production were evaluated. A lower number of peripheral blood granulocytes in 6-7-week -old offspring of salbutamol treated mothers was observed, while in the cas e of younger mice's lymphocytes count in both groups, the differences were not significant as compared to control group. In 4-5-week-old mice a lower percentage of CD4(+), CD3(+) and CD8(+) was evaluated, while in older offsp ring the percentage of CD4(+) and CD3(+) was higher in the case of the prog eny of salbutamol treated mothers. As far as chemiluminescent activity was concerned no differences were found in any of experimental groups. We showe d higher IgM production both in male and female offspring of the experiment al group and no changes in IgG levels in mice sera. Alterations observed in progeny of salbutamol treated mice might have influence on their further i mmune system development and function. (C) 2000 Academic Press.