Effects of inactive parapoxvirus ovis on cytokine levels in rats

The aim of this study is to determine the effects of iPPOV on pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels in rats. iPPOV (1 ml/rat) was administered intraperitoneal route to 49 rats, except for 7 rats (Control, 0 group). Serum samples were collected from 7 rats at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th and 24th hr after treatments. Levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-12 and IL-10 were determined using ELISA. Administration of iPPOV stimulated TNF-alpha (16th and 24th hr) and IL-6 (12th, 16th and 24th hr) synthesis and caused fluctuations in IL-10 and IL-12 concentrations. In conclusion, increased cytokine levels could be attributed to immunomodulatory activity of iPPOV, however, detailed studies are required to fully understand effects of iPPOV on immune system.