Relationship between radical production and natural killer cytotoxic factor (NKCF) in canine natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

The relationship between radical production and natural killer cytotoxic factor (NKCF) release via canine natural killer (NK)-mediated cytotoxic mechanism was examined. Radical production and NKCF release was induced in NK cells stimulated with either dead target cells, or their cytoplasmic membranes, as well as live target cells. Canine NKCF evoked target cell lysis but did not induce radical production. Radical production was inhibited by the addition of Tiron or n-propyl gallate, whereas NK-mediated cytotoxicity and NKCF release were only inhibited by the addition of n-propyl gallate. These results suggested that radical production and NKCF release may be induced by the contact and binding of NK cells to the target cell cytoplasmic membrane. Therefore, the release of NKCF from NK cells attached to the target cell cytoplasmic membrane may be associated with the production of radicals, especially hydroxyl radicals.