Inhibition of tumour necrosis factor-α secretion from rat astrocytes by Sesim-Tang

Substance P (SP) can stimulate secretion of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) from astrocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, we have examined whether an aqueous extract of Sesim-Tang inhibits the secretion of TNF-α from primary cultures of rat astrocytes. Sesim-Tang (10-1000μg/ mL) significantly inhibited the TNF-α secretion by astrocytes stimulated with LPS and SP. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been shown to elevate TNF-α secretion from LPS-stimulated astrocytes while having no effect on astrocytes in the absence of LPS. We therefore examined whether IL-1 mediated inhibition of TNF-α secretion from primary astrocytes by Sesim-Tang. Treatment with Sesim-Tang (10-1000 μg/mL) of astrocytes stimulated with both LPS and SP decreased IL-1 secretion significantly. Moreover, the secretion of TNF-α by LPS and SP in astrocytes was progressively inhibited with increasing amounts of IL-1 neutralizing antibody. Our results suggest that Sesim-Tang may inhibit TNF-α secretion by inhibiting IL-1 secretion and that Sesim-Tang has an antiinflammatory activity in the central nervous system.