Table 2.

Production of cytokines IL-10, TNF-α and IFN-γ by splenic cells in newborn, prepubertal and adult Wistar rats (Me; 25%–75%). In all groups there were 6 observations. p - statistically significant differences, Kruskal–Wallis method with Dunn's post-hoc test. Production of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by spleen cells was significantly higher in newborn and prepubertal rats in comparison to adult rats. Simultaneously, the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ was minimal in newborn rats and increased by puberty. ^1-2 – the differences between newborn and prepubertal groups, ^1-3 – the differences between newborn and adult groups, ^2-3 – the differences between prepubertal and adult groups.

Cytokines in the culture fluid of splenic cells, pg/mL	Newborn1	Prepubertal2	Adult3	p-value (p < 0.05)
IL-10	110.0 (81.5–175.5)	106.0 (100.5–127.7)	39.9 (31.2–44.2)	0.0031−3 0.0062−3
TNF-α	10.78 (1.35–13.48)	149.2 (69.88–281.8)	325.3 (254–456)	0.0000041−2 0.000000021−3 0.0042−3
IFN-γ	0 (0–0)	20.5 (5.86–50.37)	1228 (205.4–2457)	0.011−2 0.0000031−3 0.032−3