title: IL-7-mediated protection of pro and pre-B cells from the adverse effects of corticosterone.
abstract: The studies herein demonstrate that Interleukin-7 (IL-7) promotes survival of murine pro- and pre-B cells against stress levels of corticosterone (Cs). In short-term, 16-h, bone marrow cultures IL-7 abrogated Cs-induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in pro-B cells by decreasing apoptosis 60% and completely restoring the cell cycle. IL-7 also reduced Cs-induced apoptosis by 36% in pre-B cells and 24% in IgM(+) B cells, but did not restore deficits in the cell cycle. Among pro- and pre- B cells, substantial protection against high, pharmacological, levels of Cs was also provided by IL-7. Interestingly, stem cell factor, while reducing spontaneous apoptosis in pro-B cells, did not protect against Cs-induced death, either alone or with IL-7. In conclusion, IL-7 has potential immunotherapeutic value since it provides substantial protection to pro- and pre-B cells against the adverse effects of Cs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. laakko@med.unc.edu
authors.forename: Tonya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Laakko
authors.forename: Richard C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Schwartz
authors.forename: Pamela J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Fraker
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000954:Antigens, Surface / Q000032:analysis; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D002453:Cell Cycle / Q000187:drug effects; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects; D003345:Corticosterone / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006412:Hematopoietic Stem Cells / Q000187:drug effects*; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000032:analysis; D015851:Interleukin-7 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D019089:Stem Cell Factor / Q000494:pharmacology
chemical_list: D000954:Antigens, Surface; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D015851:Interleukin-7; D019089:Stem Cell Factor; D003345:Corticosterone