Methamphetamine administration targets multiple immune subsets and induces phenotypic alterations suggestive of immunosuppression

PLoS One. 2012;7(12):e49897. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049897. Epub 2012 Dec 5.

Abstract

Methamphetamine (Meth) is a widely abused stimulant and its users are at increased risk for multiple infectious diseases. To determine the impact of meth on the immune system, we utilized a murine model that simulates the process of meth consumption in a typical addict. Our phenotypic analysis of leukocytes from this dose escalation model revealed that meth affected key immune subsets. Meth administration led to a decrease in abundance of natural killer (NK) cells and the remaining NK cells possessed a phenotype suggesting reduced responsiveness. Dendritic cells (DCs) and Gr-1(high) monocytes/macrophages were also decreased in abundance while Gr-1(low) monocytes/macrophages appear to show signs of perturbation. CD4 and CD8 T cell subsets were affected by methamphetamine, both showing a reduction in antigen-experienced subsets. CD4 T cells also exhibited signs of activation, with increased expression of CD150 on CD226-expressing cells and an expansion of KLRG1(+), FoxP3(-) cells. These results exhibit that meth has the ability to disrupt immune homeostasis and impact key subsets of leukocytes which may leave users more vulnerable to pathogens.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Susceptibility / immunology*
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Immunocompromised Host
  • Immunophenotyping
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects*
  • Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Macrophages / drug effects*
  • Macrophages / immunology
  • Male
  • Methamphetamine / administration & dosage*
  • Methamphetamine / pharmacology
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Models, Animal
  • Monocytes / drug effects*
  • Monocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Methamphetamine