Influence of recombinant interleukin-2 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on the development of ethyl nitrosourea-induced brain tumors.

Using the experimental model of brain tumors induced by ethyl-nitrosourea (ENU), human recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were administered to Wistar rats in early stages of carcinogenesis. The results obtained suggest that IL-2 does not influence the development of nervous system tumors. In contrast, TNF-alpha was capable of modulating the development of ENU-induced tumors, producing a reduction in the number of schwannomas and a delay in the appearance of intraparenchymatous brain tumors.