Metoclopramide and Cellular Immune Functions during Polymicrobial Sepsis.

Oberbeck, R.; Schmitz, D.; Wilsenack, K.; Pehle, B.; Schedlowski, M.; Schüler, M.; Exton, M. S.

Metoclopramide (MCP) has been demonstrated to restore the depressed cellular immune function after hemorrhage by increasing the release of the immunomodulatory pituitary hormone prolactin. We investigated the effect of MCP on serum prolactin concentrations, on cellular immune functions (immune cell distribution, splenocyte proliferation, apoptosis and cytokine release) and on the survival 48 h after induction of a polymicrobial sepsis in mice. Administration of MCP increased circulating serum prolactin concentrations and splenocyte apoptosis rate and improved cellular cytokine release, but did not affect mortality of septic mice. We therefore conclude that administration of MCP modulated splenocyte apoptosis and cytokine release in a murine model of sepsis without an impact on the survival. Furthermore, this effect may be mediated by an increased endogenous prolactin release. Copyright © 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel

SEPTICEMIA treatment; NAUSEA treatment; PROLACTIN; COMMUNICABLE diseases; APOPTOSIS

European Surgical Research, 2004, Vol 36, Issue 2, p116

0014-312X

Academic Journal

10.1159/000076652