Corticosteroids protect oligodendrocytes from cytokine-induced cell death

The present data show that the simultaneous exposure to tumor necrosis fact or-alpha (TNF alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN gamma) induces cell death wi th characteristics of apoptosis in cultured rat oligodendrocytes; TNF alpha alone was ineffective. We have also demonstrated that different corticoste roids (aldosterone, deoxycorticosterone, dexamethasone and corticosterone) protect rat oligodendrocytes in culture from apoptosis induced by TNF alpha plus IFN gamma. This effect seems to be exerted via the interaction with b oth type I and type II corticosteroid receptors since all steroids consider ed are effective. Since oligodendrocyte apoptosis represents an important e vent in multiple sclerosis and in several demyelinating diseases, the prese nt observations might be considered an interesting background for further r esearches directed to the possibility of controlling in vivo the death of t hese cells. NeuroReport 11:3969-3972 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins .