Original scientific articleGender-Based Differences in Cytokine Production after Burn Injury: A Role of Interleukin-6

BackgroundGender-specific differences have been found in the survival of patients after a burn injury. Using a murine model of burn injury, suppression of cell-mediated immunity occurs in a gender-specific manner. Immunosuppression correlated with elevated circulating interleukin-6. This study examines gender differences in cytokine production after injury and the role of interleukin-6.Study DesignA murine model of dorsal scald injury was used to examine differences in splenocyte production of interleukin-2, interleukin-4, and interferon-γ in male versus female mice, and cytokine production in interleukin-6−deficient male mice.ResultsAt 24 hours after burn injury, there was substantially greater suppression of T-helper 1 cytokine production in male mice than in female mice. Interleukin-6−deficient male mice had improved cytokine production relative to wild-type mice.ConclusionsSuppression of the cell-mediated immune response in male mice correlated with lower T-helper 1 cytokine production, compared with female mice. Additionally, immune response and cytokine production is improved by interleukin-6 deficiency.