[Radiation protection through cytokine release by N-acetylcysteine].
BACKGROUND
Interleukin-1, tumornecrosisfactor-alpha and interferon-gamma endogenously provide protection of the hematopoietic system against radiation. Thiols have already been used successfully as radioprotective agents. In this study the effect von N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the release of interleukin-1 alpha and beta (IL-1), interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumornecrosisfactor-alpha (TNF-alpha) was assessed in an in vitro assay.


METHODS
Whole blood samples from 8 healthy volunteers were stimulated with 7.5 micrograms/ml PHA. NAC was added at concentrations of 0.6, 6, 12 and 24 mmol/l. Subsequently the samples were irradiated with a dose of 18 Gy according to preceding validation experiments.


RESULTS
IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta b and IL-2: In comparison to stimulation and radiation alone the addition of 0.6 and 6 mmol/l, with IL-2 also 12 mmol/l, NAC resulted in a significant increase of the cytokine-concentrations. The highest concentration of 24 mmol/l NAC, however, resulted in a decrease beyond control levels. IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha: Until 12 mmol/l NAC no changes were observed. 24 mmol/l NAC resulted in a significant decrease, too.


CONCLUSIONS
N-acetylcysteine is capable to co-stimulate radioprotective cytokines like IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta and to enhance IL-2 in vitro, whereas higher doses result in a suppression.
Baier
J E
JE
Medizinische Klinik der Ruhr-Universität Bochum.
Neumann
H A
HA
Moeller
T
T
Kissler
M
M
Borchardt
D
D
Ricken
D
D
D000111:Acetylcysteine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000328:Adult; D001769:Blood / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000097:blood*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000097:blood; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000097:blood; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000097:blood; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000032:analysis
D016207:Cytokines; D007375:Interleukin-1; D007376:Interleukin-2; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D000111:Acetylcysteine
Radioprotektion durch Zytokinfreisetzung unter N-Acetylcystein.