The gamma-delta T-cell cytokine response to peritonitis

The inflammatory cytokine response of peritoneal and splenic γδ T-cells and macrophages to polymicrobial bacterial peritonitis was investigated. The production of intracellular Tumor Necrosis Factor- (TNF) and Interleukin-10 (IL-10) was measured using flow cytometry at 6, 24, and 48 hrs following cecal ligation and puncture or sham laparotomy. TNF- production was induced in peritoneal — but not splenic — γδ T-cells in response to both sham surgery and peritonitis. γδ T-cells demonstrated no IL-10 production. Peritoneal and splenic macrophages demonstrated earlier TNF and IL-10 responses to CLP than γδ T-cells. We conclude that γδ T-cells are local mediators of inflammation.