Objective: To investigate whether Schwann cells can secrete macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) after peripheral nerve injury.
Methods: Two kinds of infant rat Schwann cells(which were derived from intact and injured nerves respectively) were cultured in 10% newborn calf serum (NCS) DMEM/F12 medium for 72 h. Then the level of MIF in the conditioned media was determined by an enzyme-linked immunoadsordent assay (ELISA). As control,MIF level was also determined in 10% NCS DMEM/F12 medium without any cells.
Results: The concentration of MIF in the conditioned medium of Schwann cells derived from injured nerves was significantly higher than that of control samples (P<0.05), while the concentration of MIF in the conditioned medium of Schwann cells from intact nerves was not elevated.
Conclusion: After peripheral nerve injury, Schwann cells can secrete MIF which may play an important role as an immunomodulatory cytokine for macrophage activation, inflammatory reactions and immune responses.