Granulocyte chemiluminescence activity, antibody production and percentage of CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes in peripheral blood of offspring of salbutamol-treated pregnant C3H mice

Preterm delivery is one of the most important problems in obstetric care. One of commonly used treatment of such high risk cases is salbutamol-beta(2) adrenoceptor agonist. The aim of present study was to determine if such treatment causes any changes in neonatal immune system and therefore should be considered in newborn care. The experiments were performed in 4-5- and 6-7-week-old female and male offspring of salbutamol treated C3H inbred mice. In the present study chemiluminescent activity of peripheral blood granulocytes, percentage of CD4(+) and CD8(+) lymphocytes and antibody production were evaluated. A lower number of peripheral blood granulocytes in 6-7-week-old offspring of salbutamol treated mothers was observed, while in the case of younger mice's lymphocytes count in both groups, the differences were not significant as compared to control group. In 4-5-week-old mice a lower percentage of CD4(+), CD3(+) and CD8(+) was evaluated, while in older offspring the percentage of CD4(+) and CD3(+) was higher in the case of the progeny of salbutamol treated mothers. As far as chemiluminescent activity was concerned no differences were found in any of experimental groups. We showed higher IgM production both in male and female offspring of the experimental group and no changes in IgG levels in mice sera. Alterations observed in progeny of salbutamol treated mice might have influence on their further immune system development and function.