Assessment of the Effects of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors on the Immune Status Following Surgery in Adult Male Rats

Surgery via different mechanisms causes immunosuppression in the postoperative period. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of preoperative administration of cyclooxygenase inhibitors on blood levels of Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interferon-γ (IFN-γ), Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocytes.

Seventy-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n=15 for each group). Group 1 was gavaged with normal saline for 3 consecutive days without surgery. Group 2 was gavaged with normal saline for 3 consecutive days. Groups 3 to 5 were gavaged with indomethacin (4 mg/kg) and celecoxib (7.5 and 15 mg/kg), respectively, for 3 consecutive days. In Groups 2 to 5, one hour after drugs administration on the third day, laparotomy was used as a surgery pattern. Blood samples were collected 24 hours after surgery and levels IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, WBCs and lymphocytes were determined. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA test.

Based on the results, a decrease in blood levels of IL-2, IFN-γ and lymphocytes along with an increase in TNF-α and WBCs were observed 24 hours after surgery compared to control rats (P<0.05). Indomethacin (4 mg/kg) and celecoxib (15 mg/kg) improved the decreased level of IL-2 (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in IFN-γ and lymphocytes between surgery group and the groups treated with indomethacin or celecoxib (P>0.05). Also, only celecoxib (15 mg/kg) could decrease the elevated levels TNF-α and WBCs (P<0.05).

Perioperative use of cyclooxygenase inhibitors can improve immune system function.