Effects of X-irradiation on the T-helper cell related cytokines in mouse

Abstract

Objective To study the effects of X-ray irradiation at different doses on the expressions of the T-helper cell related cytokines in mouse. Methods 100 BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups (25 mice in each) with 0, 2, 4 and 6 Gy X-ray irradiation. At 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d after irradiation, the general situation of mice were observed, and the peripheral white blood cells were counted. The alterations of the serum helper T cell related cytokines were screened by protein chips and tested by ELISA. Results At 14 d after irradiation, the peripheral white blood cells of mice decreased to the lowest level. The number of peripheral white blood cells decrease along with the irradiation dose (Fdose=86.267, P<0.05). There were significant increases in the release of IFN-γ, TGF-β, L-6 and IL-17, but decreases in cytokine IL-5, IL-23 and TNF-α. ELISA analysis revealed that the increases of IL-17 correlated with the irradiation dose positively and the concentration of IL-17 in 6 Gy group were higher than control group at 1, 7, 14 and 21 d after irradiation (t=23.743, 21.759 and 17.662, P<0.05). The ratio of IFN-γ/IL-4 significantly higher than the control group at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 d after irradiation (t=8.335, 9.982, 6.990 and 3.074, P< 0.05), and it approached to the highest level at 14 d and then began to decrease. Conclusions A low dose X-irradiation induces T-helper cell related cytokines IFN-γ and IL-17, and leads to Th1-biased immune responses in mice in vivo. Key words: X-rays; T-helper cells; Cytokines; IFN-γ; IL-17