IFN-γ and TNFα synergistically induce neurite outgrowth on PC12 cells

PC12 cells are commonly used in the study of neuronal cells. It was reported that IFN gamma enhances neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells by NGF-stimuli. Accordingly, IFN gamma was examined to determine if it could solely produce neurite outgrowth. In addition, because the synergism between TNF alpha and IFN gamma is well-known, this study investigated whether or not a mixture of IFN gamma and TNF alpha might augment neurite outgrowth on PC12 cells. Finally, this study examined how an AG490 treatment, which was used to inhibit the IFN gamma signal in this study, affected the cytokine-mediated phenomenon. The results showed that the cytokines did not cause an increase in apoptosis in the PC12 cells and the serum-starved condition blocked the cytokine-mediated neurite outgrowth. Interestingly, AG490 enhanced this effect. In conclusion, it was shown that IFN gamma has the potential to form neurites, and TNF alpha can enhance this ability. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.