Immunomodulatory and protective effects of interleukin-4 on the neuropathological alterations induced by a potassium channel blocker

J Neuroimmunol. 2021 Jun 15:355:577549. doi: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577549. Epub 2021 Mar 17.

Abstract

The pathophysiology of neurological diseases related to potassium-channel dysfunction such as epilepsy is increasingly linked to immune system modulation. However, there are limited reports of which interleukin-4 (IL-4) can act on the neuroinflammatory response after seizure. Hence, we evaluated the effect of IL-4 in murine model of neuroexcitotoxcity using kaliotoxin (KTx), a potassium-channel blocker. Results showed that IL-4 treatment can significantly reduce the neuronal death induced by KTx. Probably by decreasing mitochondria swelling, reversing oxidative damage and enhancing Bcl-2 expression. Furthermore, IL-4 treatment significantly reduced TNF-α expression and enhanced GFAP and IL-10 expressions in the brain. IL-4 can be neuroprotective in epileptogenesis.

Keywords: Epileptogenesis; Interleukin-4; Mitochondria; Neurodegeneration; Neuroinflammation; Potassium-channel blocker.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cerebral Cortex / drug effects*
  • Cerebral Cortex / immunology
  • Cerebral Cortex / pathology
  • Epilepsy / chemically induced
  • Epilepsy / immunology
  • Epilepsy / pathology
  • Epilepsy / prevention & control*
  • Immunologic Factors / administration & dosage*
  • Injections, Intraperitoneal
  • Injections, Intraventricular
  • Interleukin-4 / administration & dosage*
  • Mice
  • Neuroprotective Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Potassium Channel Blockers / toxicity*
  • Scorpion Venoms / toxicity

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Potassium Channel Blockers
  • Scorpion Venoms
  • kaliotoxin
  • Interleukin-4