Opium Induces Apoptosis in Jurkat Cells

Background: the direct effect of some opioids on immune cells has been demonstrated. the aim of this study was to assess the apoptotic effect of opium on jurkat t lymphocyte cells. methods: different concentrations of opium (2.86 × 10^-3 to 2.86 × 10^-11 g/ml) were added to 24-well plates containing 5 × 10^5 jurkat cells. apoptotic events were assessed after 6, 24, and 72 hours by flow-cytometric detection of surface phosphatidylserine. findings: significant differences in apoptosis of jurkat cells were seen at 24 and 72 hours in different concentrations of opium (p < 0.05). after 72 hours, significant increase in necrosis of jurkat cells was seen in opium concentration of 2.85 × 10^-3 g/ml compared to cells without opium (control) (p < 0.05). conclusion: these results showed that opium directly increases apoptosis and necrosis of t lymphocytes. this effect may play a role in immune dysfunction in opium addicts.