IL1 and TNFα induce cGMP formation in C6 astrocytoma cells via the nitridergic pathway

Abstract Inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1α, 1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) induce the formation of nitrite by C6 astrocytoma cells in a manner that was blocked by inhibitors of NO synthase such as N G -monomethylarginine. They increase the formation of cGMP. This action was potentiated by isobutylmethylxanthine and was inhibited by N G -monomethylarginine. Interleukin-6 and interferon-γ were inactive. It is concluded that the nitridergic signalling pathway is active in C6 cells and is a major target for inflammatory cytokines.