Interleukin 4 induces the apoptosis of mouse microglial cells by a caspase-dependent mechanism

► In 6 h culture, IL-4 reduced the death of microglial cells induced by staurosporine. ► In contrast, in long term treatment IL-4 increased the apoptotic death. ► IL-4 increased the levels of cleaved caspase 3 and PARP. ► IL-4 down regulated the autophagy and Bcl-xL in microglial cells.