Regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokine production 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 immunoregulatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. These agents were added either before or after a 10 Gy-irradiation. Our results show that it is possible 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 response have been observed according to the time of treatment. The antiinflammatory potential of both IL-4 and IL-10 was more pronounced when added after irradiation.