Neta (AFRRI) in 1986 reported that injection of Interleukin-1; 20 hrs. before irradiation has a radiation sparing effect. This observation resulted in a large-scale investigation of the prophylactic use of cytokines as radiation protective agents.

Cytokines constitute a large group of proteins which are 'complex regulator mediators'; these are often redundant and generally are pleiotropic [producing either positive or negative signals]. They are implicated in hematopoiesis, (hemoglobin formation ), immune reactions, nervous tissue stimulation and/or differentiation, etc. Over expression of cytosine can cause: 'multiple myeloma, cancer, arthritis, inflammatory diseases, osteoporosis, nephritis, asthma, auto immunity....'

Socolovsky, et al. (1999) stated that a major problem in cytokine therapy "... it is not understood how specific signaling pathways function to bring about the antiapoptotic, proliferate, and specific lineage differentiation functions of cytokine receptors... nor known how specificity of cytokine receptor function is achieved."

As of date nodefinitive paper has been published establishing the efficacy of cytokines as effective prophylactic radiation agent[s].

DANGER

Prior to initiating a mass inoculation program the following hazards must be considered:

(1) "....infused purified recombinant cytokines into experimental animals and human volunteers ....development of a shock-like state.

(2) "Large doses of TNF-a or IL-1B induce circulatory failure. These compounds synergize to induce lethality."

(3) ".....Injection of TNF-a, induces necrosis of several different organs in rats....".

(4) "....Infusion of TNF-a and IL-b in humans results in fevers, chills, fatigue, and headaches. The dose limiting toxicity however, was the development of hypotension."

(5) "...anti-cytokine treatment have been applied to human sepsis... sepsis can be reproduced by injecting TNF-a , IL-1b or produce the stimuli for their synthesis...'.