The role of cytokines in the development of normal-tissue reactions after radiotherapy.
BACKGROUND
Cytokines are important for signaling between cells and tissues and constitute a humoral component of the response of cells and tissues to radiotherapy. Although several cytokines have been implicated in mediating radiation-induced reactions of normal tissues, the mechanisms are only beginning to be elucidated.


METHODS
Published data on radiation-induced cytokine expression from cell culture, experimental and clinical studies are reviewed. Current models of cytokine-mediated multicellular interactions in radiation-induced reactions of the lung, skin and intestinal mucosa are presented.


CONCLUSIONS
The major cytokines in the radiation response of non-hemopoietic tissues include IL-6, IL-1, INF alpha and TGF beta. Different cell types interact via cytokines in a complex network of effector and receptor cells, including inflammatory cells, tissue-specific functional cells and fibroblasts. TGF beta appears to be of particular importance in the development of late reactions such as fibrosis.
Herskind
C
C
Department of Radiotherapy, University of Tübingen. carsten.herskind@uni-tuebingen.de
Bamberg
M
M
Rodemann
H P
HP
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000502:physiology; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000502:physiology; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine / Q000502:physiology; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000502:physiology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000502:physiology
D016207:Cytokines; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D007375:Interleukin-1; D015850:Interleukin-6; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha