Polyclonal antithymocyte globulins reduce the expression of IL-4 in a non-human primate model of ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a non-specific, antigen independent event, which significantly influences the outcome of transplanted organs. Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is an immunological mediator belonging to the interleukin family that mainly regulates the differentiation of T-helper lymphocytes into Th2 phenotype as well as enhances cellular activation, both are important features in IRI. The influence of polyclonal antithymocyte globulins (ATGs) on expression of IL-4 in reperfused tissues of cynomolgus monkeys (n=18) after 60 min of ischemia was assessed by immunohistochemical methods. Our results show an inhibition of the production and release of IL-4 by activated lymphocytes in the groups treated with ATGs in comparison to control, although a causal relationship between IL-4 and tissue damage was not demonstrated. Implication of IL-4 as an inflammatory mediator upon IRI must be further investigated.
Beiras-Fernandez
Andres
A
Institute of Surgical Research, LMU, Marchioninistrasse 27, 81377 Munich, Germany. abeiras@icf.med.uni-muenchen
Thein
Eckart
E
Chappell
Daniel
D
Schropp
Alke
A
Hammer
Claus
C
D000818:Animals; D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005121:Extremities / Q000098:blood supply; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D008252:Macaca fascicularis; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000098:blood supply / Q000737:chemistry; D011323:Primates; D015427:Reperfusion Injury / Q000276:immunology*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000961:Antilymphocyte Serum; D015847:Interleukin-4; D017493:Leukocyte Common Antigens