Abstract
PROBLEM: The purpose of this present ex vivo study is to get insight in the sex differences of the basic non-specific and specific immune response.
METHOD OF STUDY: Intracellular types 1 and 2 cytokine production by stimulated male and female lymphocytes and monocytes in a whole blood preparation was measured by flow cytometry.
RESULTS: Increased percentage interleukin (IL)-12, IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha producing monocytes and decreased percentage IL-2 producing lymphocytes, i.e. type 1 cytokine, were found in men as compared with women.
CONCLUSION: These results suggest a gender difference in the balance between the specific and non-specific immune response, i.e. a more profound and higher state of excitation of the non-specific immune response and relative suppression of the cellular immune response of the specific immune system in men as compared with women.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 19-26 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | American Journal of Reproductive Immunology |
| Volume | 52 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| Publication status | Published - Jul-2004 |
Keywords
- cytokines
- lymphocytes
- men
- monocytes
- women
- HUMAN PERIPHERAL MONOCYTES
- RIBONUCLEIC-ACID LEVELS
- T-CELLS
- OVARIAN CYCLE
- LUTEAL-PHASE
- SKIN-GRAFTS
- SEX
- EXPRESSION
- ESTRADIOL
- MORTALITY