Effects of General and Local Anaesthesia on Innate and Cell-Mediated Immunity in Dogs

Abstract

The dynamics of innate and specific immunity was investigated in dogs under halothane general anaesthesia and lumbosacral epidural anaesthesia using lidocaine. Phagocytic number (PN), phagocytic index (PI), and nitro blue tetrazolium (NBT) test were used to determine phagocytic properties of neutrophils during both anaesthesia regimens. Specific immunity was assessed by changes in lymphocyte number and distribution of their main subsets. The principal stress hormones were also measured in the blood and their relation with the factors of immune system was evaluated. The results showed an elevation in PN, PI and a reduction in NBT value at 120 min of anaesthesia in both groups, which returned gradually to base values. The changes were, however more pronounced in epidural group. Total lymphocyte number decreased at the cost of B-lymphocytes at 120 min and 24 hours in both groups. On the contrary, CD5+ and CD8+ cells increased in both anaesthesia types at 120 min. General and local anaesthesia produced similar increase in adrenaline, cortisol, and blood glucose. In conclusion, 2 hours of halothane and epidural anaesthesia may stimulate innate immunity and lead to increased number of cells with cytotoxic properties. The immunological disturbances may be attributable to acute stress response induced by the anaesthesia.All copyrights reserved to Nexus® academic publishers

Effect Of Three Anesthetic Protocols On The Haematological Indices In Cats During Ovariohysterectomy

“…Another probable cause with particular influence on lymphocyte counts is apoptosis. Numerous studies provide evidence that the depression of leukocytes and lymphocyte subpopulation are at the background of the immunosuppressive effects of anesthesia and that they are mediated via apoptosis (8,21). The analysis and monitoring of complete blood count changes and their effects on the different organs and systems during anesthesia and surgery broaden the opportunities for control of these responses and the intermediate events responsible for their triggering.…”