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Updated: Oct 13, 2026

Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method
16:07

Determination of the Relative Potency of an Anti-TNF Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) by Neutralizing TNF Using an In Vitro Bioanalytical Method

Published on: September 16, 2017

Effects of steroid hormones on the cytotoxic activity of tumor necrosis factor

M Tsujimoto1, H Adachi

  • 1Suntory Institute for Biomedical Research, Osaka.

Journal of Biochemistry
|March 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Glucocorticoids, like dexamethasone, protect cells from tumor necrosis factor (TNF) cytotoxicity. Prolonged exposure to TNF and glucocorticoids also enhances cell growth, indicating distinct mechanisms.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a cytokine with diverse biological effects, including cytotoxicity.
  • Steroid hormones, particularly glucocorticoids, are known to modulate immune responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the influence of various steroid hormones on the cytotoxic effects of TNF.
  • To determine if the growth-promoting effects of TNF are linked to its cytotoxic mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Murine L929 cells were treated with TNF in the presence of different steroid hormones.
  • Cell viability assays were performed to assess cytotoxicity.
  • Cell proliferation assays were used to evaluate growth enhancement.

Main Results:

  • Dexamethasone and hydrocortisone significantly inhibited TNF-induced cytotoxicity.
  • Aldosterone showed weak inhibitory activity, while androgens had no effect.
  • Combined prolonged treatment with TNF and glucocorticoids led to enhanced cell growth.

Conclusions:

  • The protective effect against TNF cytotoxicity is specific to glucocorticoids.
  • The mechanisms underlying TNF's cytotoxic action and growth-promoting activity are distinct.
  • Glucocorticoids may play a role in regulating cellular responses to TNF.

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