evaluating immunomodulatory effects and cytokine changes by propranolol following surgical stress in male rats

Background: surgery through different mechanisms causes immunosuppression in the postoperative period. objectives: this study aimed to investigate the effects of preoperative administration of propranolol on blood levels of interleukin-2 (il-2), interferon-γ (ifn-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), and hematological parameters, such as white blood cells (wbcs) and lymphocytes. methods: forty-five wistar male rats were divided into three groups. group 1 (normal control) was injected with normal saline. groups 2 and 3 were injected subcutaneously with 4 mg/kg of the propranolol (p4) and 8 mg/kg of the propranolol (p8), respectively. blood samples were collected (before, immediately, 6, 24, and 72 hours after surgery). then, the il-2, ifn-γ, tnf-α, wbcs, and lymphocytes levels were determined at different time points. the data were analyzed by one-way anova and the pearson-test at a significant level of p≤0.05. results: the results showed a higher level of il-2 in the p8 and p4 groups with a significant difference compared to the control group (p≤0.05). tnf-α was decreased significantly in the p8 compared to the p4 and control groups (p≤0.05). the p4 has shown a lower level of ifn- γ compared to the p8 and control groups with a significant difference (p≤0.05).conclusion: it appears that propranolol has considerable immunomodulatory effects on immune responses. therefore, perioperative use of propranolol may improve immune system function.