Interferon γ and interleukin 10 responses in immunocompetent and immunosuppressed New Zealand White rabbits naturally infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi

•Dexamethasone has proinflammatory effect in immunosuppressed rabbits.•The IFN−γ exerted an important proinflammatory role in rabbits infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi.•IFN-γ levels in sera were elevated in infected immunosuppressed rabbits.

Levels of interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-10 were measured in the serum of immunocompetent and immunosuppressed New Zealand White rabbits naturally infected with Encephalitozoon cuniculi. IFN-γ levels were elevated in infected rabbits, and a synergic effect was observed in animals treated with the immunosuppressive agent dexamethasone (Dex). The role of IL-10 in infected rabbits remains unclear, as IL-10 levels were similar to those of negative controls. Dex appeared to exhibit a proinflammatory effect, as IFN-γ levels were elevated in infected immunosuppressed rabbits. Similarly, Dex exhibited a synergic effect in infected immunosuppressed rabbits, as evidenced by the elevation in IFN-γ production. These data indicate that the immune response to this glucocorticoid should be considered in the design of future animal model studies of immunosuppression.