The effect of dexamethasone (DEX) on interleukin (IL)-10 and IL-12p40 produ
ction was examined in preterm newborns, term infants and was compared to th
at in adults. Mononuclear cells isolated from newborn cord blood (CBMC) and
peripheral blood from adults (PBMC) were incubated with lipopolysaccharide
in the absence or presence of DEX at concentrations between 10(-8) and 10(
-5) M. Cytokine concentration in the supernatants was tested using ELISA ki
ts. DEX induced a dose-dependent inhibition of IL-10 production by PBMC fro
m adults whereas CBMC from newborns were mostly unaffected by the drug. DEX
caused a dose-dependent inhibition of lL-12p40 secretion by cells of the t
hree age groups, although to a different extent. Since IL-12 plays a critic
al role in the development of a protective immune response to fungal infect
ion, it is conceivable that the inhibition of lL-12p40 secretion caused by
DEX may contribute to the increased occurrence of fungal infections in pret
erms treated with this drug. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG,Basel.