Is Interferon Gamma Suppression After Cardiac Surgery Caused by a Decreased Interleukin-12 Synthesis?

The synthesis of IFN-gamma is significantly reduced after cardiac surgery. The application of IL-12 causes an increase in IFN-gamma synthesis before surgery and a return of IFN-gamma to preoperative levels within a few days after surgery. These findings suggest that postoperative suppression of IFN-gamma release is caused by a decrease in IL-12 synthesis. In addition, IL-12 has a mainly proinflammatory effect both before and after surgery.