Induction of TNF-α production by metal complexes of γ-globulin fraction proteins and copper and zinc cations.

Plasma γ-globulin fraction proteins, copper and zinc cations, and metal complexes of these cations and human serum γ-globulin induce the production of TNF-α by human blood cells. The protein modified by zinc cations is by 1.4-1.7 times more potent (p<0.001-0.01) than control γ-globulin in inducing the production of TNF-α, while metal complex formed by γ-globulin and copper is by 1.9-2.2 times more potent that the control protein (p<0.001). Under conditions of experimental induction, TNF-α is produced as a typical early response cytokine. During long-term incubation, copper cations lose the ability to induce TNF-α production, while in combination with γ-globulin these cations produce a synergistic effect with the control protein.