Measurement of intracellular gamma-interferon, interleukin-4, and interleukin-10 levels in patients following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Major surgery suppresses intracellular T-cell cytokine production. Laparosc opic surgery has been reported to have no effect on in vitro lymphocyte rea ctivity, but its effects on intracellular cytokine production are unknown. This study measured T-cell intracellular gamma- interferon, interleukdn-4 ( IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), along with serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) an d cortisol levels, immediately before and 1 day after laparoscopic cholecys tectomy in a cohort of six Air Force and veteran patients. Stimulated intra cellular levels of gamma-interferon were slightly, but not significantly, e levated during the postoperative period in all T-cell subsets. There were n o postoperative changes in stimulated IL-4 or IL-10 levels. Postoperative s erum IL-6 levels, but not serum cortisol levels, were significantly elevate d compared to preoperative values. In conclusion, laparoscopic surgery caus es slight trauma but has no effect on T-cell intracellular interferon, IL-4 , and IL-10 responses.