In vivo and in vitro cocaine modulation on production of cytokines in C57BL/6 mice

In the present study we used both in vivo and in vitro murine models to investigate the effects of cocaine on the release of cytokines (IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α by peritoneal macrophages and splenocytes, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, and IFN-γ produced by splenocytes. In vitro cocaine (0.1, 1, 10, 100 μg/ml) exposure inhibited all cytokines produced by ConA-stimulated spleen cells and LPS-stimulated macrophages in a concentration dependent manner. Different effects of cocaine administration on cytokine production were observed when female C57BL/6 mice were injected intraperitoneally with cocaine (40 mg/kg body weight for six weeks). Secretion of IL-2 by splenocytes was significantly enhanced by cocaine administration, whereas IFN-γ was not affected. Secretion of IL-4 and IL-10 by splenocytes was significantly inhibited by cocaine administration, while secretion of IL-5 by splenocytes was significantly enhanced. Secretion of IL-6 and TNF-α by splenocytes was significantly enhanced by cocaine administration. Secretion of IL-6 by peritoneal macrophages was also significantly enhanced by the cocaine, while production of IL-1α was not affected. However, release of TNF-α by peritoneal macrophages was significantly reduced by the cocaine administration. Therefore use of cocaine may alter the balance of cytokine production, and thereby adversely affects immune response and host defense.