Dehydroepiandrosterone decreases mortality rate and improves cellular immune function during polymicrobial sepsis

Objective: Sepsis is associated with a marked depression of cellular immune function. The steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is proposed to have immunoenhancing activities. We, therefore, investigated the effect of DHEA on the mortality rate and cellular immune functions in an experimental model of sepsis. Design: Randomized animal study. Setting: Level I trauma center, university research laboratory. Subjects: Male NMRI mice. Interventions: Mice were subjected to laparotomy (sham) or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Mice were treated with (sham/DHEA; CLP/DHEA) or without (sham; CLP) the steroid hormone DHEA (30 mg/kg sc). Animals were killed 48 hrs after the onset of sepsis. Measurements and Main Results: The survival rate of septic mice was determined 24 and 48 hrs after onset of sepsis. Forty-eight hours after the septic challenge, a white blood cell count was performed and serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-1β concentrations were monitored using ELISA. Furthermore, the delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction was evaluated on the basis of ear pinna swelling after dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) administration, and clinical variables (body weight, temperature, heart rate, fluid input/output, food intake) were monitored using metabolic cages, DHEA administration improved the survival rate (87% vs. 53% after 48 hrs; p < .001). This was accompanied by a restoration of the depressed DTH reaction and a reduction in TNF-α serum concentrations (20.7 ± 1.4 pg/mL vs. 32.4 ± 6.6 pg/mL). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that DHEA administration leads to an increased survival following a septic challenge. The immunoenhancing effect of DHEA is accompanied by a reduction of TNF-α release and an improved activity of T-cellular immunity. DHEA administration may, therefore, be beneficial in systemic inflammation.