Modulation of cytokine expression by cAMP analogs in myc-immortalized microglial cell lines

Expression of cytokines can be modulated by cAMP in macrophages or in primary microglial cultures. Similar to what is observed in normal conditions, treatment of immortal microglial cell lines with dibutyryl-cAMP blocked the accumulation of TNF? transcripts induced by lipopolysaccharide, whereas activation of Interleukin-1? (IL-1?) remained unaffected. Immortalized cell lines can therefore be regarded as a valid model to test the immune responsiveness of microglial cells in the presence of neuro- endocrine agents modulating cAMP levels.