Increased tumor necrosis factor alpha mRNA after cellular exposure to ionizing radiation.

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Abstract
We report that tumor necrosis factor .alpha. (TNF-.alpha.) mRNA is increased after treatment with x-rays in certain human sarcoma cells. An increase in TNF-.alpha. mRNA is accompanied by the increased production of TNF-.alpha. protein. TNF-.alpha. enhances radiation lethality in both TNF-.alpha.-producing and nonproducing tumor cells. These data suggest that, in addition to the direct cytotoxic effects of x-rays, production of TNF-.alpha. may add to radiation lethality through autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. Combinations of TNF-.alpha. and therapeutic radiation may be useful in clinical cancer therapy.