Thymus and lymph node cell CD4(+) and CD8(+) marker expression and their angiogenic activity of offspring of salbutamol-treated pregnant C3H mice

Salbutamol, beta(2)-adrenoceptor agonist is a first choice drug in preterm delivery treatment. The aim of the present study was to determine whether s albutamol can cause any alterations in neonatal immune systems and therefor e should be considered in newborn care. The experiments were performed on 4 -5- and 6-7-week-old female and male offspring of salbutamol-treated C3H in bred mice. Thymus and lymph node weight, cellularity and lymphatic organs, lymphocytes phenotypes and their angiogenic activity were evaluated. We obs erved lower thymus weight in 6-7-week-old progeny of salbutamol-treated mot hers and in the same time lower thymus cell number in both age groups. Lowe r lymph node weight was developed in older progeny while cellularity was di minished both in 4-5- and 6-7-week-old offspring of salbutamol-treated moth ers. We have not detected any changes in percentage of CD4, CD8, CD3 and CD 4CD8 positive lymphocytes in progeny of salbutamol-treated mothers. As far as lymph node lymphocytes phenotype is considered we showed in both age gro ups lowering of CD4 and CD3 positive cells in experimental groups. In the L IA test (lymphocyte-induced angiogenesis) we showed lower lymph node cell a ngiogenic activity of salbutamol-treated mothers' progeny in both age group s. In the case of thymus lymphocytes we have not observed any alterations i n their angiogenic activity. The differences in histological examination of thymus and lymph nodes were not detected in experimental and control group s. (C) 2000 Academic Press.