INTERLEUKIN-6 MEDIATED DIFFERENTIATION AND RESCUE OF CELL REDOX IN PC12 CELLS EXPOSED TO IONIZING-RADIATION

The differentiation of PC12 cells to a neuron-like morphology was indu ced by ionizing radiation in the presence of serum, This effect was de tectable at 5 grays (Gy) and reached a maximum at 10-20 Gy. Increases in the DNA binding activity of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) and increased Interleukin 6 (IL-6) mRNA levels were observed at a dose of 15 Gy. Neutralization of supernatant IL-6 by the addition of anti-IL- 6 antibody inhibited the neuronal differentiation and decreased cellul ar redox. Ionizing radiation and serum may act synergistically as neur otropic factors.