Opposite role of interferon-gamma and interleukin-4 on the regulation of blood pressure in mice

There is growing evidence that T-lymphocyte dysfunction contributes to the development of hypertension. IL-4 and IFN- are important regulators of T-lymphocyte function. Therefore, we investigated the effect of neutralizing antibodies against IL-4 (-IL-4) and IFN- (-IFN-) on the development of hypertension in NZBNZWF1 hybrid compared to normotensive NZW control mice. Antibody-producing cells were encapsulated and injected intraperitoneally in mice at 6,8 and 10 weeks of age. This treatment resulted in significant levels of antibody in the serum. At 12 weeks of age blood pressure was recorded under anesthesia. Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) increased in NZBNZWF1 hybrids between the age of 6 and 12 weeks. This increase was inhibited by treatment with -IL-4, but was not affected by -IFN-. Treatment with -IL-4 did not influence MAP in normotensive NZW or C57B1/6J mice. However, in these mice, treatment with -IFN- increases MAP. This increase in MAP by -IFN- was prevented by simultaneous treatment with -IL-4. The present study demonstrates the influence of endogenous IL-4 and IFN- on blood pressure.