Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of 8 weeks of endurance training and methadone as an alternative to morphine on serum levels of interferon-gamma and interleukin-17.
Materials & Methods: Twenty four male Wistar rats (220 ± 10 g) were divided into four groups of Addicted Control (AC), Addicted Trained (AT), Addicted Methadone (AM) and Addicted Methadone Trained (AMT). All groups were made addicted with morphine sulfate 0.4mg/mL (in 21 days). To ensure their dependence on morphine, Naloxone (3mg/kg, i.p.) was injected into a number of the rats. Methadone hydrochloride powder was added to the drinking water AM and AMT groups. AT and AMT groups were made to run on treadmill for 8 weeks. Running time and speed gradually increased. Both prior to the exercises and 24 hours after the last training session, blood samples were collected from all the animals and the IFN-γ and IL-17 serum levels were measured using the ELISA method.
Results: Serum levels of interferon-gamma increased in the AMT group compared with AM (P<0.001) and serum levels of IL-17 showed a significant decrease (P<0.01). Also, a significant increase in serum levels of interferon-gamma (P<0.01) and a significant decrease in the levels of IL-17 (P<0.001) was observed in the AT compared with the AMT.
Conclusion: Endurance training caused increased interferongamma and decreased interleukin-17 in the active groups compared with the sedentary groups, and it had a greater effect on these cytokines during withdrawal. Therefore, this type of exercise can improve the function of the immune system during withdrawal syndrome.