SUBSTANCE-P INDUCES SECRETION OF IMMUNOMODULATORY CYTOKINES BY HUMAN ASTROCYTOMA-CELLS

in human astrocytoma cell lines, substance P (SP) stimulated interleuk in (IL)-8, IL-6, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor and leukemia inhibitory factor protein secretion. These SP effects were bl ocked by a specific NK1 tachykinin receptor antagonist. Further, SP st imulation increased the half-life of IL-6 and IL-8 messenger RNAs, sug gesting that the synthesis of these cytokines is also regulated post-t ranscriptionally. SP-induced cytokine release was inhibited by stauros porine and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate desensitization suggesting protein kinase C involvement. The demonstration that SP affects cytoki ne production in glioma cells might be of relevance for the biology of such tumors. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.