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Objective: To observe the effects of sympathetic overactivity on the immune system involved in the imbalance of T helper (Th) lymphocytes, we investigated the correlation between autonomic dysregulation and the generation of regulatory T (Treg) and Th1 chemokines in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: Blood samples obtained from patients with coronary artery disease and controls were analyzed for levels of Th1 and Treg cells and their associated cytokines by flow cytometry. In addition, the activity of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), the levels of norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI) and serum cytokines, and the activity of protein kinase A (PKA) were analyzed by Western blot, radioimmunoassay, high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunoassay, respectively. All subjects were evaluated for heart rate variability (HRV). Results: Levels of Th1 cells and T-bet (a T-box transcription factor), NE, EPI, cAMP and PKA significantly increased (all p < 0.01) whereas HRV and levels of Treg cells and STAT5 decreased (all p < 0.01) in ACS patients compared to patients with stable angina and controls. The disorder of Th1 and Treg cells is closely related to the activation of cAMP-PKA induced by hyperactivity of the sympathetic system. Conclusions: This study showed that the abnormalities in specific subsets of CD4+ T cells are associated with sympathetic hyperactivity in ACS patients. It may provide surprising insights into the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis, involving the regulation of the sympathetic nervous system on immune inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Toinvestigate the immunoprotective effect of IL-10 on pregnancy in Toxoplasma gondii-infected C57BL/6 mice. Methods: Twenty-four pregnant mice were randomly divided into 3 equal groups, i.e. a control group (CG), an infected group (IG) and an infected group treated with IL-10 (IPTG). Each IPTG and IG mouse was infected with 400 T. gondii trophozoites on gestational day (GD) 8. Each IPTG mouse was injected with 1 μg recombinant mouse IL-10 via a tail vein on GD 10 and 12. The mice were sacrificed on day 7 postinfection. Qa-1 and NKG2A were analyzed in the placenta by flow cytometry and real-time PCR. IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-γ in the placenta supernatant were analyzed by ELISA. Statistical analysis was performed by one-way ANOVA. Results: IPTG mice showed a better mental state, had larger fetuses and placentas with a better blood supply and a lower resorption ratio compared to IG mice. NKG2A and Qa-1 were significantly increased in IPTG mice compared to IG mice (p < 0.05). IL-4 and IL-10 in IPTG placenta supernatant were increased (p < 0.05), but IFN-γ was decreased (p < 0.05) compared to IG placenta supernatant. The ratios of IFN-γ/IL-4 and IFN-γ/IL-10 were decreased in IPTG mice compared to IG mice (p < 0.05, p < 0.05). Conclusion: IL-10 plays an immunoprotective role and improves the pregnancy outcome of T. gondii-infected mice. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]