Numerous of factors affect the immunological response during surgery. Despite intensive research, the impact of different anesthetic techniques on the immune system remains unclear.~Aim of this ex vivo / in vitro study was to determine the effects of general and neuraxial anesthesia on monocyte subset alteration and the release of prototypical pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Twenty patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery were randomly assigned to receive either general anesthesia (ITN) or combined spinal/epidural anesthesia (CSE). Samples of venous blood were taken from the patients before and after induction of anesthesia, immediately, 6 hours, 24 hours, and 48 hours after surgery. All blood samples were incubated in presence or absence of LPS (lipopolysaccharide; 1 µg/ml) for 24 hours. CD14 and HLA-DR expression patterns on monocytes and intracellular TNF-alpha production were quantified via flow cytometry. TNF-α and IL-10 release were measured via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
The impact of different anesthetic techniques on the immune system remains unclear.~Aim of this ex vivo / in vitro study was to determine the effects of general and neuraxial anesthesia on monocyte subset alteration and the release of prototypical pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Twenty patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery were randomly assigned to receive either general anesthesia (ITN) or combined spinal/epidural anesthesia (CSE). CD14 and HLA-DR expression patterns on monocytes and intracellular TNF-alpha production were quantified via flow cytometry. TNF-α and IL-10 release were measured via enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).