REGULATION OF PRO-INFLAMMATORY CYTOKINE P RODUCTION BY ENDOTHELIAL-CELLS FOLLOWING IRRADIATION

Gamma irradiation leads to an increased production of interleukin-(IL) -6 and IL-8 by human endothelial cells. In order to regulate the radio -induced production of these pro-inflammatory cytokines, we used the i mmunoregulatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. These agents were added eith er before or after a 10 Gy-irradiation. Our results show that it is po ssible to decrease the radio-induced production of IL-6 and IL-8 with the use of IL-4 and IL-10. Differences in the intensity of the respons e have been observed according to the time of treatment. The antiinfla mmatory potential of both IL-4 and IL-10 was more pronounced when adde d after irradiation.