Cytokine interplay among the diseased retina, inflammatory cells and mesenchymal stem cells - a clue to stem cell-based therapy

Figure 4 The expression of genes for pro-inflammatory molecules in stimulated retinal explants and suppression of the gene expression by MSCs. Retinal explants were cultured for 48 h untreated (-), stimulated with IL-lα, IFN-γ and TNF-α (Cyt.) or stimulated with the cytokines in cultures containing MSCs (3 × 10⁴ in 1 mL). The expression of genes for IL-lα, IL-6 and iNOS in retinal explants was determined by real-time PCR. MSC: Mesenchymal stem cell; IL-6: Interleukin-6; IL-lα: Interleukin-lα; iNOS: Inducible nitrox oxide synthase; MSC: Mesenchymal stem cell.