TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA INDUCES C-FMS RNA EXPRESSION IN MURINE TISSUE MACROPHAGES

The macrophage-colony stimulating factor receptor, c-fms, is induced b y IL-2 in monocytes and is suppressed by LPS, LPS plus IFN-gamma, phor bol esters, and colony stimulating factor in monocytes/macrophages. He re we show that c-fms RNA is induced by treatment of murine tissue mac rophages with TNF-alpha. This induction is suppressed by co-treatment with LPS, IFN-gamma, LPS plus IFN-gamma, aspirin, and ox LDL. c-fms ex pression is required for the proliferation, differentiation, and survi val of monocytes/macrophages. Our findings indicate a may by which TNF -alpha, as well as LPS, IFN-gamma, aspirin, and ox LDL impinge upon ma crophage biology. (C) 1997 Academic Press.