Measurement of intracellular γ-interferon, interleukin-4, and interleukin-10 levels in patients following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Major surgery suppresses intracellular T-cell cytokine production. Laparoscopic surgery has been reported to have no effect on in vitro lymphocyte reactivity, but its effects on intracellular cytokine production are unknown. This study measured T-cell intracellular γ-interferon, interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-10 (IL-10), along with serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and cortisol levels, immediately before and 1 day after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a cohort of six Air Force and veteran patients. Stimulated intracellular levels of γ-interferon were slightly, but not significantly, elevated during the postoperative period in all T-cell subsets. There were no postoperative changes in stimulated IL-4 or IL-10 levels. Postoperative serum IL-6 levels, but not serum cortisol levels, were significantly elevated compared to preoperative values. In conclusion, laparoscopic surgery causes slight trauma but has no effect on T-cell intracellular interferon, IL-4, and IL-10 responses.