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Age-related changes in cytokine production by leukocytes in rhesus monkeys

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Abstract

Using a variety of experimental rodent and human models, age- related alterations in cytokine production by immune cells have been described extensively. While the precise mechanism(s) responsible for such age- related changes in cytokine responses remain unclear, it seems likely that these changes may have a significant effect on immune cell function. In an attempt to clarify such changes in aging primates, we examined cytokine production by white cells derived from a controlled colony of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Non- fractionated whole blood and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained from male monkeys of different ages (6- 28 years), and were subsequently evaluated for their ability to express mRNA and protein for the cytokines, IL- 10, IL- 6, IFN,IL- 1, and TNF, following in vitro stimulation with polyclonal mitogens. Our results suggest that white blood cells derived from aged rhesus monkeys exhibit a significant increase in their ability to produce the Th2- associated cytokine, IL- 10, upon stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) when compared to white cells derived from younger counterparts. Similarly, a significant age- related decrease in the expression of the Th1- associated cytokine, IFN, was also observed using phytohemagglutinin (PHA)- stimulated PBMCs. No significant age- related differences in the production of IL- 1 or TNF were observed in response to any stimulation, but there was limited evidence of an age- related increase in IL- 6 production. Overall, our results suggest that a possible systemic change from a Th0/Th1 to a Th2- like cytokine profile occurs in circulating leukocytes derived from aging primates. We believe that such age- related alterations in cytokine production may play a role in the reduced immune responses observed in elderly human populations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratories of Neurosciences, Gerontology Research Center, National Institute on Aging, NIH, 5600 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA

    P. Mascarucci, S. Saccani, M. A. Paloma, G. S. Roth, D. K. Ingram & M. A. Lane

  2. Immunology, Gerontology Research Center, National Institute on Aging, NIH b]Baltimore, MD, USA

    D. Taub & H. Dawson

Authors
  1. P. Mascarucci
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  2. D. Taub
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  3. S. Saccani
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  4. M. A. Paloma
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  5. H. Dawson
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  6. G. S. Roth
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  7. D. K. Ingram
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  8. M. A. Lane
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The Gerontology Research Center at NIA-NIH is fully accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care.

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Mascarucci, P., Taub, D., Saccani, S. et al. Age-related changes in cytokine production by leukocytes in rhesus monkeys. Aging Clin Exp Res 13, 85–94 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03351530

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03351530

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