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

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1989 Dec;86(24):10104-7. doi: 10.1073/pnas.86.24.10104.

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.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation
  • Gene Expression / radiation effects*
  • Humans
  • Kinetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / isolation & purification
  • RNA, Messenger / radiation effects*
  • Sarcoma
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / metabolism
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured / radiation effects*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics*
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha