The effect of voluntary chronic alcohol consumption on Th1/Th2 cytokine signature during adolescence in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Abstract

Background: Chronic alcohol use is a global health concern with adverse effects on immune function, potentially altering the T-helper (Th)1/Th2 axis. This study modelled chronic alcohol consumption using Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats to determine whether chronic alcohol consumption during adolescence skews Th1/Th2 cytokine release. Methods: A two-bottle choice rat model was used for voluntary adolescent alcohol intake. Twenty ( n = 20) male SD rats aged 25 days were randomised into alcohol (20% w/v) and control groups ( n = 10/group) for 30 days. Blood was collected at termination via cardiac puncture. Th1/Th2 cytokines were analysed using the Rat LEGENDplex™ Panel (9-plex) kit and BD Accuri™ C6 flow cytometer. An unpaired two-tailed student’s t -test compared the cytokine level between the groups. Results: White blood cell and lymphocyte counts were elevated in the alcohol group, while platelet counts decreased ( p < 0.05). Interleukin (IL)-2 ( p = 0.0390) and interferon-γ ( p = 0.0292) were lower in the alcohol group. Similarly, IL-5 ( p = 0.0189), IL-6 ( p = 0.0284) and IL-10 ( p = 0.0117) levels decreased. Conclusion: Chronic voluntary alcohol consumption during adolescence does not skew the immune response towards Th1 or Th2 cytokine release. Instead, it is associated with an overall decrease in the levels of Th1/Th2 cytokines, thus suggesting the immune-suppressive effect of alcohol.