[Radiation protection through cytokine release by N-acetylcysteine]

Strahlenther Onkol. 1996 Feb;172(2):91-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

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.

Patients and 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.

Conclusion: 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.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acetylcysteine / pharmacology*
  • Adult
  • Blood / drug effects
  • Blood / radiation effects*
  • Cytokines / blood*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Interferon-gamma / blood
  • Interleukin-1 / blood
  • Interleukin-2 / blood
  • Phytohemagglutinins / pharmacology
  • Radiation-Protective Agents*
  • Stimulation, Chemical
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / analysis

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • Interleukin-1
  • Interleukin-2
  • Phytohemagglutinins
  • Radiation-Protective Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interferon-gamma
  • Acetylcysteine