['The cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is thought to be responsible for primary nonfunction of islets when transplanted. This, and two other cytokines, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) are also implicated in the autoimmune destruction of beta cells. It is unknown if the fetal pig beta cell, which is being transplanted as a treatment for type 1 diabetes, is affected by these cytokines.', 'We compared the effects of the cytokines on the function and viability of adult and fetal pig beta cells. The cells were cultured for up to 3 days in the presence of 2000 pg/ml of human IL-1beta, 1000 U/ml of TNF-alpha, and 1000 U/ml of IFN-gamma, as well as 1000 U/ml of porcine IFN-gamma. Cumulative insulin levels, insulin content, metabolic activity, and viability of these cells were examined. Additionally, nitric oxide production and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in these cells were also determined.', 'TNF-alpha and the combination of the three human cytokines caused a transient increase in cumulative insulin levels. TNF-alpha alone enhanced insulin content on day 3. There was no effect of these human cytokines on mitochondrial function and viability. In contrast, porcine IFN-gamma inhibited fetal pig beta cell function and also caused their death. Adult pig islets are sensitive to the toxic effects of human TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, the combination of the three cytokines, and porcine IFN-gamma. The activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase were significantly higher in fetal pig beta cells than in adult islets, implying that this may be the reason for the lack of adverse effects of the cytokines on the fetal beta cell.'] Are fetal pig beta cells resistant to the toxic effects of human cytokines?