Opposite role of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 on the regulation of blood pressure in mice

There is growing evidence that T-lymphocyte dysfunction contributes to the development of hypertension. IL-4 and IFN-gamma are important regulators of T-lymphocyte function, Therefore, we investigated the effect of neutralizi ng antibodies against IL-4 (alpha-IL-4) and IFN-gamma (alpha-IFN-gamma) on the development of hypertension in NZBNZWF1 hybrid compared to normotensive NZW control mice. Antibody-producing cells were encapsulated and injected intraperitoneally in mice at 6,8 and 10 weeks of age. This treatment result ed in significant levels of antibody in the serum. At 12 weeks of age blood pressure was recorded under anesthesia. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) increased in NZBNZWF1 hybrids between the age of 6 and 12 weeks. This incr ease was inhibited by treatment with alpha-IL-4, but was not affected by al pha-IFN-gamma. Treatment with alpha-IL-4 did not influence MAP in normotens ive NZW or C57B1/6J mice. However, in these mice, treatment with alpha-IFN- gamma increases MAP. This increase in MAP by alpha-IFN-gamma was prevented by simultaneous treatment with alpha-IL-4. The present study demonstrates t he influence of endogenous IL-4 and IFN-gamma on blood pressure (C) 1999 Ac ademic Press.