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

Inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 1 alpha, 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha) induce the formation of nitrite by C6 astrocytoma cells in a manner that was blocked by inhibitors of NO synthase such as NG-monomethylarginine. They increase the formation of cGMP. This action was potentiated by isobutylmethylxanthine and was inhibited by NG-monomethylarginine. Interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma were inactive. It is concluded that the...