Dehydroepiandrosterone modulation of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocyte cytotoxicity.

摘要: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), the predominant androgen secreted by adrenal cortex, can be converted to both potent androgens and estrogens. In addition its role as a precursor for other steroid hormones, DHEA has been proposed play an important in immunity. This study investigated modulation of LPS-induced monocyte cytotoxicity. Cytotoxicity markers assessed include tumor cell killing, IL-1 secretion, reactive oxygen intermediate release, nitric oxide synthetase activity measured release nitrogen intermediates, complement receptor-1 surface protein, TNF-alpha protein presence. Monocytes stimulated with LPS concentrations 1.0 micrograms/ml displayed above cytotoxic markers, whereas monocytes alone or at lower concentration 0.2 ng/ml did not. However, when used simultaneously, synergistic effect on cytotoxicity against cancerous lines, cell-surface levels comparable obtained using microgram/ml. Finally, Scatchard plot analysis demonstrated presence receptor monocytes, suggesting that effects LPS-stimulated are mediated through receptor-dependent process.