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Effects of remifentanyl and fentanyl on LPS-induced cytokine release in human whole blood in vitro

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Abstract

Aim The present study sought insight into the effects of remifentanyl and fentanyl on LPS-induced release of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-10 in human whole blood. Methods Whole blood was incubated in the presence and absence of remifentanyl and fentanyl. Effects of remifentanyl and fentanyl on spontaneous and endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide; 100 ng ml−1)-stimulated cytokine release were studied in whole blood from volunteers (n = 10) cultured for 6 h. Results IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations in groups added with LPS were significantly higher than those in control group (P < 0.01). IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations in activation groups treated with remifentanyl or fentanyl were significantly lower than those in LPS treated group (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences on IL-6,TNF-α and IL-10 concentrations in drug-alone groups compared with control group (P > 0.05). Conclusion Remifentanyl or fentanyl alone has no effects on IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 production, but could attenuate LPS-induced IL-6,TNF-α and IL-10 production in human whole blood. Remifentanyl and fentanyl could inhibit the expressions of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-10 induced by LPS.

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Acknowledgement

We thank Yichang Renfu Corporation (Yichang, China) for their excellent assistance in fund support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Anesthesiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, East-Lake Road 169, Wuhan, Hubei Province, 430071, People’s Republic of China

    Yun Wu, Yanlin Wang & Jia Zhan

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  1. Yun Wu
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  2. Yanlin Wang
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  3. Jia Zhan
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Correspondence to Yanlin Wang.

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Wu, Y., Wang, Y. & Zhan, J. Effects of remifentanyl and fentanyl on LPS-induced cytokine release in human whole blood in vitro. Mol Biol Rep 36, 1113–1117 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-008-9286-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11033-008-9286-4

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