ANALYSIS OF INTERLEUKIN-1 MEDIATED RADIOPROTECTION

  • 1 March 1986
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 63  (3) , 526-532
Abstract
The potential value of interleukin 1 (IL-1) containing supernatants as a radioprotective agent was evaluated. It was found that the response of irradiated thymocytes to mitogens was partially restored if IL-1 containing supernatants was included in the culture medium immediately after irradiation. A delay of 24 h in the addition of IL-1 and mitogen abrogated the radioprotective effect. Under the same conditions IL-2 containing supernatants were effective, suggesting that the dose modifying effect of IL-1 acts through induction of IL-2 elaboration. The results of the present study may be important in cases where it is necessary to restore depressed immune response resulting from irradiation accidents or radiotherapy.