DMSO induction of the leukotriene LTC4 by Lewis rat Schwann cells

Schwann cells are capable of producing many immunomodulatory molecules, whi ch indicates that they may play an active role in autoimmune diseases of th e peripheral nervous system. We have previously reported production of the prostanoids prostanglandin E2 and thromboxane A2, products of arachidonic a cid metabolism, by Schwann cells. This study reports that Schwann cells are capable of producing Leukotriene C4, also a product of arachidonic acid me tabolism. Production of leukotriene C4 was in response to pre-incubation of the Schwann cells with the cytokines interferon-gamma and tumour necrosis factor-alpha followed by incubation with dimethylsulfoxide. The cytokines a lone did not elicit a response nor did stimulation with calcium ionophore, phorbol ester or lipopolysaccharide. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rig hts reserved.