Radioprotection of the intestinal crypts of mice by recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha.
Recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha (rHIL-1 alpha or IL-1) protected the intestinal crypt cells of mice against X-ray-induced damage. The survival of crypt cells measured in terms of their ability to form colonies of regenerating duodenal epithelium in situ was increased when IL-1 was given either before or after irradiation. The maximum degree of radioprotection was seen when the drug was given between 13 and 25 h before irradiation. The IL-1 dose producing maximum protection was about 6.3 micrograms/kg. This is the first report indicating that the cytokine IL-1 has a radioprotective effect in the intestine. The finding suggests that IL-1 may be of potential value in preventing radiation injury to the gut in the clinic.
Wu
S G
SG
Hospital, National Institute of Radiological Sciences, Chiba City, Japan.
Miyamoto
T
T
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007421:Intestine, Small / Q000166:cytology / Q000528:radiation effects*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008809:Mice, Inbred C3H; D011833:Radiation Injuries, Experimental / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D007375:Interleukin-1; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D011994:Recombinant Proteins