Modulation of cytokine mRNA expression by brain-derived neurotrophic factor and nerve growth factor in human immune cells.

Abstract

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) exert various effects on immune cells. Here we studied, whether they influence the cytokine expression pattern in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) or antigen specific T-cells. In PBMCs BDNF and NGF had interindividually variable effects on T helper cell type (Th)1- and Th2-cytokines. However, there was a high correlation between the modulating properties of these neurotrophins (r=0.97) concerning the expression of interleukin (IL) 4, transforming growth factor-beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha mRNA at a concentration of 100 ng/ml. In myelin basic protein-specific T-cell lines BDNF and NGF increased interferon -gamma mRNA to a moderate extent, but not IL4. No major effects were detected at the cytokine protein level. In conclusion, our results suggest a partial effect of neurotrophins on immune cells, which may be modified by other signals.

• Authors: A Bayas, N Kruse, N F Moriabadi, F Weber, V Hummel, G Wohleben, R Gold, K V Toyka, P Rieckmann
• Journal: Neuroscience letters (Neurosci Lett) Vol. 335 Issue 3 Pg. 155-8 (Jan 02 2003) ISSN: 0304-3940 [Print] Ireland
• PMID: 12531456 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
• Cytokines
• RNA, Messenger
• Transforming Growth Factor beta
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• Interleukin-4
• Interferon-gamma
• Nerve Growth Factor

Topics

• Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (metabolism, pharmacology)
• Cell Culture Techniques
• Cytokines (drug effects, metabolism)
• Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
• Humans
• Interferon-gamma (metabolism)
• Interleukin-4 (metabolism)
• Leukocytes, Mononuclear (drug effects, metabolism)
• Nerve Growth Factor (metabolism, pharmacology)
• RNA, Messenger (metabolism)
• T-Lymphocytes (drug effects, metabolism)
• Transforming Growth Factor beta (metabolism)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (metabolism)