RETRACTED: Quantitative role of p42/44 and p38 in the production and regulation of cytokines TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-12 by murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro by Concanavalin A (Retracted article. See vol 54, pg 338, 2011)

In the present study the quantitative role of p42/44 and p38 in the production of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-12 by murine peritoneal macrophages, in vitro, on treatment with Concanavalin A (ConA) has been investigated. Maximum expression/production of cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-12 was observed after 16 h by RT-PCR and 24 h by ELISA, on in vitro treatment with ConA. To investigate the role of MAP kinases in the production of cytokines, pharmacological inhibitors of MAP kinases-PD98059, SB202190 and SP600125, were used. The expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-12 was down regulated in the presence of PD98059 and SB202190 in a dose dependent manner, suggesting the involvement of p42/44 and p38 in ConA induced production of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-12 by macrophages. It was observed that SP600125 did not have any effect on the expression of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-12. Using different combinations of MAPK inhibitors, it was found that 45% signal is conveyed via p42/44 and 25% via p38 in the production of these cytokines, by ConA treated macrophages while 30% signal passes through unidentified pathways. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.