Interactions between human embryonic forebrain cells and the cytokines interferon-gamma and interleukin-4.
In the present study we investigated the capacity of human first trimester forebrain cells at different gestational ages to produce IFN-gamma and IL-4. We also studied the effects of IFN-gamma on their proliferation, survival and expression of MHC antigens. IFN-gamma but not IL-4 was spontaneously produced after 24 h cultures. Furthermore, IFN-gamma exhibited anti-proliferative effects and induced MHC expression on these cells. However, the IFN-gamma exposed cultures showed significantly higher cell survival compared to un-exposed cultures. Co-culture with IL-4 blocked the IFN-gamma production and reversed its anti-proliferative effects. These interactions suggest important roles for cytokines in the survival, proliferation and differentiation of human embryonic and fetal forebrain cells.
Mousa
A
A
Divisions of Neurology, Geriatric Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Family Medicine, Huddinge University Hospital, Huddinge, Sweden.
Mustafa
M
M
Kjaeldgaard
A
A
Wahlberg
L
L
Seiger
A
A
Bakhiet
M
M
D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D016548:Prosencephalon / Q000166:cytology / Q000196:embryology / Q000276:immunology*
D000949:Histocompatibility Antigens Class II; D015847:Interleukin-4; D007371:Interferon-gamma