Involvement of tyrosine-specific protein kinase and protein kinase C in J774A.1 macrophage functions activated by Tinospora cordifolia

BACKGROUND Macrophages are the first line of defense and constitute important participant in the bi-directional interaction between innate and specific immunity. Macrophages are in a quiescent form and get activated when given a stimulus. In our previous studies we have reported that guduchi or LPS treatment of macrophages enhanced production of nitric oxide (NO) and increased tumoricidal activity against L929 fibroblast cells. OBJECTIVE In the present study effect of Tinospora cordifolia commonly known as guduchi on macrophage activation and the mechanism of action i.e. involvement of protein kinase C inhibitor and tyrosine-specific protein kinase inhibitor was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present study was undertaken to determine whether H-7 (inhibitor of protein kinase C) and/or genistein (inhibitor of tyrosine-specific protein kinase) could inhibit guduchi or LPS-induced macrophage NO and TNF-α production or reduce the cytolysis of L929 fibroblast cells. RESULTS It was observed that in vitro incubation with H-7 and/or genistein completely inhibited guduchi or LPS-induced NO and TNF-α production by macrophages (J774A.1). CONCLUSION The inhibitory effects of H-7 and/or genistein, suggest that phosphorylation via these kinases may upregulate the NO synthase activity in macrophages.