RT Journal
A1 Berguer R, Bravo N, Bowyer M, Egan C, Knolmayer T, Ferrick D
T1 MAjor surgery suppresses maximal production of helper t-cell type 1 cytokines without potentiating the release of helper t-cell type 2 cytokines
JF Archives of Surgery
JO Archives of Surgery
YR 1999
FD May 1
VO 134
IS 5
SP 540
OP 544
DO 10.1001/archsurg.134.5.540
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/archsurg.134.5.540
AB Background 
    Major surgery is known to suppress T-cell function; however, its differential effects on the production of helper T-cell type 1 (TH1) and type 2 (TH2) cytokines remains unknown.Objective 
    To measure the production patterns of TH1 (interleukin 2 [IL-2] and interferon γ) and TH2 (IL-4 and IL-10) cytokines following major surgery.Design, Setting, and Patients 
    A cohort study of patients (both active and former members of the armed forces) at a military hospital.Intervention 
    Aortic surgery or carotid endarterectomy and measurement of serum IL-6 levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Main Outcome Measures 
    Unstimulated and stimulated intracellular levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, and interferon γ in CD4+, CD8+, and γδ+ T cells and serum IL-6 levels immediately before and for 2 days after aortic surgery or carotid endarterectomy.Results 
    No unstimulated production of TH1 or TH2 cytokines was detected. Stimulated intracellular levels of IL-2 and interferon γ were significantly depressed during the postoperative period in all T-cell subsets in both patient groups. There were no postoperative increases in stimulated IL-4 or IL-10 levels.Conclusion 
    Major surgery suppresses the potential responses of TH1 cytokines without enhancing production of TH2 cytokines.