GSH level and IL-6 production increased in Sertoli cells and astrocytes after gamma irradiation.

Background: The overproduction of ROS by ionizing irradiation induces cellular damage which can be reduced by specific molecules such as GSH and cytokines. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the well known radioresistance of Sertoli cells and astrocytes in vitro and the GSH level and IL-6 production after irradiation.
Materials and Methods: Cell viability, GSH content and IL-6 production were assessed at different times after irradiation and for different doses, on rat Sertoli cells and astrocytes.
Results: After irradiation we observed a dose-dependent increase in the intracellular total GSH level and IL-6 production as compared to the controls.
Discussion: These results strongly suggest the key role of GSH and IL-6 in the mechanisms of response of radioresistant cells to gamma irradiation. One hypothesis is that the increase of GSH level and IL-6 production after irradiation contributes to the adaptative response to oxidative stress generated by gamma irradiation.