Gender difference in cell-mediated immunity after thermal injury is mediated, in part, by elevated levels of interleukin-6

The gender difference in normal immune function has been well documented, however, there is only limited information regarding whether such a difference occurs after injury. To investigate this, we examined cell‐mediated immune responses in male and female mice given a 15% total body surface area dorsal scald or sham injury. Both delayed‐type hypersensitivity (DTH) and splenocyte proliferative responses were significantly suppressed in males at 1 day and in females at 7 and 10 days post burn (P < 0.01). The decreased splenocyte proliferation was found to be macrophagedependent and suppression of both immune parameters corresponded with elevated interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) levels. Furthermore, post‐burn treatment with an anti‐IL‐6 antibody partially restored the DTH response in males at 1 day and females at 10 days post injury and completely restored splenocyte proliferation. These data demonstrate a possible mechanism for the gender difference in cell‐mediated immune responses after thermal injury. J. Leukoc. Biol. 67: 319–326; 2000.