Role of cytokines in anti-implantation activity of H₂ receptor blockers in albino wistar rats

Abstract

In this study, the negative effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD) on the immune system and body weight gain of rats and the preventive effects of curcumin were examined. For this purpose, 3–4 months old 128 Wistar albino rats with 280 – 310 g body weights were used. The 2 μg/kg dose of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 100 mg/kg dose of curcumin were dissolved in corn oil and orally given to the rats found in the experimental and control groups. Then, the serum samples were taken from all rats at 15, 30, 45 and 60^th days to analyzed for the determination of TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-13 levels by ELISA method. The data of body weight gain was measured at 15, 30, 45 and 60^th days. The results indicated that 2,3,7,8,3,7,8-TCDD caused to increase significantly (p < 0.05) in serum TNF-α levels. However, it caused significantly (p < 0.05) decreases in the levels of IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-13 in rats. On contrary, curcumin increased IFN-γ, IL-12 and IL-13 levels, but decreased TNF-α level in rats. Additionally, TCDD caused significantly (P < 0.01) reductions in the body weight gain. However curcumin reversed this effect of TCDD.

In conclusion, 2,3,7,8-TCDD significantly suppressed the humoral immunity and body weight gain in rats at doses of 2 μg/kg. However curcumin, which was found in some plants, eliminated the effect of TCDD on immune system and body weight when it was given together with 2,3,7,8-TCDD. It is thought that this effect may have occurred via curcumin and TCDD were binding aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) competitively.

Keywords::

• 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD
• curcumin
• cytokine
• body weight

Acknowledgments

The authors like to acknowledge the All India Council of Technical Education and also the Government National Capital Territory of Delhi, India for providing the necessary infrastructure facilities for this study.

Decleration of interest: We the authors declare that no conflicts of interest is required.