Plasma cytokine profiles following subcutaneous implantation of titanium in mice

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of a titanium implant on immune response in mouse by monitoring change in plasma cytokine profiles. Materials and Methods: C57BL/6 (type 1 T helper cell-predominant) and BALB/c (type 2 T helper cell-predominant) mice were used. Each type was divided into an experimental and a control group: in the former, pure titanium implants (Φ 1 mm × 1 mm) were inserted into the back of the mice subcutaneously; in the latter, the wound was sutured closed with no insertion of an implant. Blood samples were collected before implantation and at 3 hr, 24 hr, 3 d, 1 mo, and 3 mo after implantation. Levels of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17A, IL-23, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and TGF-β1 were measured by multi-analyte enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Baseline cytokine levels were generally higher in the BALB/c mice than in their C57BL/6 counterparts. Cytokine levels showed only slight variation after implantation of titanium in either strain. No statistically significant differences in cytokine levels were detected, except for those of IL-6 and IL-10. Conclusion: The results showed that titanium implantation induced no clear Th1-, Th2-, or Th17-mediated immune response in either Th1-or Th2-predominant mice.