Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-induced cell killing by tryptophan and indole.

Y. Yuhas, H. Holtmann, Y. Shemer-Avni, I. Sarov, D. Wallach

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Cells sensitive to the cytocidal effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) were protected against this effect when growth in the presence of elevated concentrations of tryptophan. Several other indole derivatives also provided protection against TNF cytotoxicity. Most effective were indole itself and its monomethyl derivatives, providing a degree of protection greatly exceeding that observed with tryptophan. Protection was also observed against the cytocidal effect of TNF applied in the presence of a protein synthesis inhibitor. The protective effect of tryptophan was largely dependent on preexposure of the cells, for several hours, to a high concentration of this amino acid. On the other hand, indole was protective also when applied to cells together with TNF, or even two hours after TNF application. The inhibition of the cytotoxicity of TNF by tryptophan and other indole derivatives may serve as a useful experimental tool in exploring the mechanisms and the physiological implications of TNF cytotoxicity.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-40
Number of pages6
JournalEuropean Cytokine Network
Volume1
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1 Jan 1990
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Clinical Biochemistry

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