Role of cytokines in anti-implantation activity of H2 receptor blockers in albino Wistar rats.

In this study, the negative effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin(TCDD) on the immune system and body weight gain of rats and the preventive effects of curcumin were examined. For this purpose, 3-4 months old 128 Wistar albino rats with 280-310g body weights were used. The 2microg/kg dose of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 100mg/kg dose of curcumin were dissolved in corn oil and orally given to the rats found in the experimental and control groups. Then, the serum samples were taken from all rats at 15, 30, 45 and 60th days to analyzed for the determination of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-12 and IL-13 levels by ELISA method. The data of body weight gain was measured at 15, 30, 45 and 60th days. The results indicated that 2,3,7,8,3,7,8-TCDD caused to increase significantly (p<0.05) in serum TNF-alpha levels. However, it caused significantly (p<0.05) decreases in the levels of IFN-gamma, IL-12 and IL-13 in rats. On contrary, curcumin increased IFN-gamma, IL-12 and IL-13 levels, but decreased TNF-alpha level in rats. Additionally, TCDD caused significantly (P<0.01) reductions in the body weight gain. However curcumin reversed this effect of TCDD.In conclusion, 2,3,7,8-TCDD significantly suppressed the humoral immunity and body weight gain in rats at doses of 2microg/kg. However curcumin, which was found in some plants, eliminated the effect of TCDD on immune system and body weight when it was given together with 2,3,7,8-TCDD. It is thought that this effect may have occurred via curcumin and TCDD were binding aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) competitively.