Chronic cold stress modulates the function of peritoneal macrophages in vivo

Abstract

On day 7 of chronic cold stress, concentration of corticosterone in plasma was established to increase, zymosan-induced production of reactive oxygen species was activated, and IL-10 synthesis by macrophages was enhanced regardless of the opiate receptor blockade. Increase in the concentration of corticosterone was independent of the blockade of opioid receptors, whereas the zymosan-induced increase in the production of oxygen radicals and activation of the spontaneous production of IL-10 was blocked in mice by naloxone. Chronic cold stress had no effect on the production of IL-1β and TNF-α.

Macrophage Stimulated by Low Ambient Temperature Hasten Tumor Growth via Glutamine Production

“…Although most immune cells infiltrating the tumor site are macrophages [ 9 ], there is little known about the role of macrophages in the promotion/progression of tumors induced by low temperature. Previous studies on low temperature-activated macrophages have focused on the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects due to the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-10 [ 10 ] and on the metabolic refinement of adipose tissue by the secretion of IL-4 and catecholamines [ 11 ]. However, IL-4 and/or IL-10 alternatively activate macrophages and polarize them into tumor-associated macrophages, resulting in tumor promotion/progression.…”