Lymphokine release from human lymphomononuclear cells after co-cultured isolated pancreatic islets: effects of islet species, long-term culture, and monocyte-macrophage cell removal

This study evaluated the release of Th, and Th, cytokines from human lymphomononuclear cells (LMC) in response to purified human (HI) or bovine (BI) islets, and the role of long-term (3-4 weeks) islet culture and removal of monocyte-macrophage cells, The results showed that HI and BI caused a similar increase of the release of gamma interferon (IFN), IL-2 and IL-6 from LMC, whereas BT had a more marked effect than HZ on IL-10 release. Culturing the islets had possible positive effects (reduction of IFN and IL-2), but also potentially negative effects (increase of TNF). Removal of monocyte-macrophage cells determined a significant reduction of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF production in response to xeno-islets. (C) 2000 Academic Press.