IL-4 in vitro production is upregulated in Alzheimer's disease patients treated with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors

Exp Gerontol. 2004 Apr;39(4):653-7. doi: 10.1016/j.exger.2003.08.012.

Abstract

Cytokines appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Their modulation by treatment has been investigated only in a few studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEI) on Interleukin-4 (IL-4) production in AD patients. IL-4 levels were measured by ELISA on peripheral blood mononuclear cell cultures in the presence or absence of Concanavalin A or Phytohaemagglutinin. Linear regression analysis shows that patients who have been treated, have higher levels of IL-4 independently from age, gender and comorbidity. The increased production of IL-4 in AChEI treated patients might represent an additional mechanism through which AChEI act on AD progression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / blood*
  • Alzheimer Disease / drug therapy
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Concanavalin A / pharmacology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-4 / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukin-4 / blood
  • Male
  • Nootropic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Phytohemagglutinins / pharmacology
  • Up-Regulation / drug effects

Substances

  • Cholinesterase Inhibitors
  • Nootropic Agents
  • Phytohemagglutinins
  • Concanavalin A
  • Interleukin-4