Interleukin-1 beta is a potent stimulator of prostaglandin synthesis in bovine luteal cells.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a polypeptide that has both local and systemic effects on numerous tissues, including endocrine cells. To evaluate the effect of IL-1 on luteal function, bovine luteal cells were cultured for 5 days with increasing concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0 ng/ml) of recombinant bovine interleukin-1 beta (rbIL-1 beta). IL-1 beta increased the production of luteal 6-keto-prostaglandin-F1 alpha (6-keto-PGF1 alpha), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and prostaglandin F2 alpha (PGF2 alpha) in a dose-dependent manner, but had no effect on progesterone (P4) production. Treatment with the cyclooxygenase inhibitor, indomethacin (5 micrograms/ml), inhibited basal, as well as rbIL-1 beta-stimulated prostaglandin production. Addition of Iloprost (a synthetic analogue of prostacyclin, 5 ng/ml) suppressed basal production of PGF2 alpha and PGE2, but did not reduce the stimulatory effect of rbIL-1 beta. Similarly, PGF2 alpha suppressed basal, but not IL-1 beta-stimulated, production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. PGE2 had no effect on the synthesis of either PGF2 alpha or 6-keto-PGF1 alpha. P4 (1.75 micrograms/ml) reduced basal as well as rbIL-1 beta-stimulated production of 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, PGE2, and PGF2 alpha. These results indicate that IL-1 beta could serve as an endogenous regulator of luteal prostaglandin production. It appears that IL-1 beta action is not modified by exogenous prostaglandins, but is at least partially regulated by elevated P4. It is possible that the role of IL-1 beta in stimulation of luteal prostaglandin production may be confined to a period characterized by low P4 levels, such as during luteal development or regression.     

Interleukin-1 beta- and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-independent monocyte stimulation of fibroblast collagenase activity

To investigate the mechanism of cyclosporine (Cs)-induced fibrous gingival enlargement, the indirect effects of Cs on fibroblast collagenolysis via the drug's effect on the synthesis of the fibroblast regulatory monokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) have been studied. Peripheral blood monocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) for 48 h produced conditioned media (MCM-LPS) that contained 665 pg/ml IL-1 beta and 16 pg/ml TNF alpha and significantly (P less than 0.001) enhanced the collagenase activity of a fibroblast strain (GN 23) derived from a healthy individual with clinically normal gingiva. The concurrent addition of Cs (50, 100, or 150 ng/ml) with LPS to the monocytes (MCM-LPS-Cs) significantly diminished their ability to enhance GN 23 collagenase activity in a dose-dependent manner, with MCM-LPS-Cs (150 ng/ml) causing the greatest effect. Cs also significantly inhibited IL-1 beta and TNF alpha production. Although the greatest inhibition of both cytokines was at 50 ng/ml Cs, the corresponding MCM-LPS-Cs caused the least diminution (16%) of the collagenase stimulation caused by MCM-LPS (no Cs). This suggested that factor(s) other than or in addition to IL-1 beta and TNF alpha might be responsible for the stimulation of GN 23 collagenase activity. MCM-LPS depleted of IL-1 beta by affinity chromatography retained its stimulatory effect on GN 23 collagenolysis, and human recombinant IL-1 beta and TNF alpha, when tested alone or together at levels found in the stimulatory MCM-LPS and MCM-LPS-Cs, did not stimulate GN 23 collagenase activity as did the crude conditioned media. This evidence suggested that the conditioned media contained the complex mixture of cytokines necessary to stimulate collagenase activity of this fibroblast strain and that IL-1 beta and TNF alpha were not necessarily involved. Cs may alter the synthesis of other collagenase-stimulating cytokines, accounting for the diminished ability of Cs-treated monocytes to enhance collagenase activity of susceptible fibroblast strains. Decreased collagenase activity, therefore, resulting from Cs suppression of monokine production, may be an important factor in the development of fibrous gingival enlargement seen in some susceptible patients treated with Cs.     

The effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-6 on chorioamnion secretion of prostaglandins (PG)F 2 alpha and E2 in pigs

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) on prostaglandin (PG)F(2 alpha) and PGE(2) secretion as well as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein expression in chorioamnion collected on days 25, 30 and 40 of pregnancy in pigs. Fetal membrane slices were incubated for 16 h with TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-6 (1 or 10 ng/ml of medium) or two combinations of the three cytokines (1 or 10 ng/ml of each cytokine per combination). We demonstrated the stimulatory effect of TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and/or IL-6 on PGF(2 alpha) and PGE(2) secretion by the porcine fetal membranes. The medium content of these PGs depended on the cytokine type, treatment dose and day of pregnancy. Cytokine stimulation of PGE(2) was more pronounced than that of PGF(2 alpha). In addition, an increase in PGF(2 alpha) and/or PGE(2) secretion was usually associated with an augmentation of COX-2 protein expression. Our results support the notion concerning the possible role of cytokines in modulating production of PGs by fetal membranes during the first trimester of gestation.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of hepatocyte growth factor: induction of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) prevents liver failure in various animal models including endotoxin-induced acute liver failure. We were interested to find out whether human HGF exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulation of cytokine synthesis. Therefore, human HepG2 cells were cultured with increasing concentrations of HGF. HGF dose-dependently upregulated the production of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). Incubation of HepG2 cells with interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) caused an increase in IL-1Ra levels, while interleukin-6 (IL-6) had no effect on IL-1Ra synthesis. Co-stimulation of HepG2 cells with HGF + IL-1beta resulted in a synergistic effect on IL-1Ra mRNA and protein expression. Stimulation of freshly isolated mouse hepatocytes from male C57 BL/6 mice with HGF increased IL-1Ra mRNA and protein synthesis dose-dependently. A co-stimulation with HGF and IL-1beta had a synergistic effect on IL-1Ra mRNA expression but only a partially additive effect on IL-1Ra protein synthesis. HGF-induced IL-1Ra production was significantly decreased by the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor PD98059. Accordingly, HGF stimulation specifically increased MAPK-dependent signalling pathway (p42/44). In contrast, in preactivated PBMC mRNA expression and protein synthesis of IL-1Ra, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were unaffected after stimulation with HGF. In conclusion, our data suggest that HGF exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the signal transduction cascade leading to increased expression of IL-1Ra, which might explain the protective and regenerative properties of this cytokine in animal models of liver failure.     

Interleukin-1beta in the functional and structural luteolysis. Relationship with the nitric oxide system

The aim of the present report was to investigate the in vitro effect of interleukin-1beta(IL-1beta) on corpus luteum (CL) function and some aspects of this mechanism involved. Ovarian rat dispersates from mid-luteal phase were exposed to different doses of IL-1beta (1, 10, 20 ng/ml). Meanwhile 1, 10 and 20 ng/ml of IL-1beta decreased progesterone (P4) production, only the highest doses of IL-1beta increased prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF2alpha) levels. To investigate the possible relationship between PGs production and P4 synthesis, we incubated together IL-1beta (20 ng/ml) and indomethacin (0.1 mM) a potent inhibitor of cyclooxygenase pathway. We found that P4 inhibition induced by IL-1beta was completely prevented by addition of indomethacin. On the other hand, when ovarian rat tissue were exposed at 20 ng/ml of IL-1beta (doses that affected both PGF2alpha and P4 production) the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity was augmented. Moreover, IL-1beta effects on PGF2alpha and P4 levels were impaired when a NOS inhibitor N(W)-nitro- L -arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 600 microM) was added to the incubation media. These data demonstrate that: (i) at the tested doses (1-20 ng/ml), IL-1beta is involved in CL function through the diminution of P4 production of whole ovarian dispersate culture; (ii) at the highest doses assayed (20 ng/ml) IL-1beta increased PGF2alpha production; (iii) at these doses, IL-1beta decreased P4 production by means of a cyclooxygenase pathway and (iv) the NO system would be a key intermediary second messenger in the IL-1beta actions.     

Modulation of IL-1 inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties by IL-6.

Among the major cytokines present in inflammatory lesions interleukin-1 (IL-1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) share many biological activities. Since IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and TNF alpha have been previously demonstrated to play an important role in connective tissue destruction by stimulating the production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and collagenase, these functions were investigated in the presence or absence of natural human IL-6 (nhIL-6) or recombinant human IL-6 (rhIL-6). IL-6 was found 1 degree to stimulate immunoglobulin A production by the CESS B cell line up to 19 fold without being affected by the presence of IL-1 beta and 2 degrees to stimulate murine thymocytes proliferation up to 2-4 fold, with an increase up to 60-fold in costimulation with either IL-1 alpha or beta. IL-6 alone, even at very high concentrations (up to 200 U/ml and 50 ng/ml), did not induce PGE2 production by fibroblasts and synovial cells. However, IL-1 alpha or beta induced PGE2 production by human dermal fibroblasts and by human synovial cells was inhibited (in 5/8 experiments) up to 62% by addition of IL-6. On the contrary in 2/4 experiments TNF alpha-induced PGE2 production was increased (approximately 2 fold) by the addition of IL-6. IL-1 and TNF alpha-induced collagenase production in synovial cells remained unchanged in the presence of IL-6.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Interleukin-1 alpha as a potent inhibitor of gonadotropin action in porcine Leydig cells: site(s) of action.

The effects of interleukin on testicular steroidogenesis have been studied in several laboratories, most often by using cultured rat Leydig cells. Several reports have indicated that interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), but not interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), exert a potent effect on gonadotropin action in rat Leydig cells. By using cultured porcine Leydig cells as a model, we found that IL-1 alpha (and to a lesser extent IL-1 beta), contrary to previous reports, is a potent inhibitor of LH/hCG steroidogenic action; and we further localized the steroidogenic biochemical step(s) affected by IL-1 alpha. IL-1 alpha inhibited hCG-induced testosterone secretion (about 67%) in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Half maximal and maximal effects were obtained with 4 U/ml (approximately 0.4 ng/ml, 0.3 x 10(-10) M) and 20 U/ml (approximately 2 ng/ml, 1.4 x 10(-10) M) of IL-1 alpha, respectively. The inhibitory effect of IL-1 alpha on gonadotropin action was detected at 6 h and was maximal after 24 h of treatment with the cytokine. The IL-1 alpha inhibitory effect was more potent than that of IL-1 beta: the maximal inhibitory effect of IL-1 beta was obtained with 400 U/ml. Subsequent investigations indicated that IL-1 alpha inhibited different biochemical steps involved in gonadotropin-induced testicular steroidogenesis. In this context, although IL-1 alpha appears to inhibit Leydig cell membrane functions (through a decrease in LH/hCG binding and gonadotropin-induced cAMP production), the antigonadotropin action of the cytokine is probably exerted predominantly at a step(s) located beyond cAMP formation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Monokine-induced gene expression of a human endothelial cell-derived neutrophil chemotactic factor

Monokines have been increasingly recognized as communication signals that interact with both immune and non-immune cells during inflammation. Specifically, interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) possess potent effector activities on various cell types. We present novel data demonstrating that human endothelial cells are a major source of a neutrophil chemotactic factor (NCF) synthesized upon stimulation with either IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, or TNF-alpha; but not with interleukin-6 (IL-6). Northern blot analysis demonstrated that 20 ng/ml of either IL-1 or TNF-alpha could induce endothelial cells to express significant levels of NCF mRNA, while IL-6 was not active in this system. These data demonstrate that monokines play an important role in mediating acute inflammation via induction of an endothelial cell-derived NCF.     

Regulation of acute phase reaction by transforming growth factor beta in cultured murine hepatocytes.

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta 1), a multipotent immunoregulatory peptide produced by human platelets, has been shown to stimulate the synthesis of fibrinogen, contrapsin, complement component C3, and alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor by murine hepatocytes cultured for 2 days in DMEM containing 1 microM insulin and dexamethasone and 0.2% BSA. In the range of 10 pg to 10 ng/ml TGF-beta 1 did not elicit any change in albumin secretion. Two main inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-1 (IL-1), known to stimulate two different subsets of murine acute phase plasma proteins, failed to increase contrapsin and alpha-1-proteinase inhibitor production. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the concentration 1 ng to 10 ng/ml effectively counteracted the stimulatory effect of TGF-beta 1 on acute phase protein production. TGF-beta 1-induced fibrinogen protein levels were associated with increased beta-fibrinogen mRNA content. TGF-beta 1 appears to be an additional physiological factor responsible for the direct stimulation of normal mouse hepatocytes to acute phase response.     

The transcriptional control of TGF-beta in human osteoblast-like cells is distinct from that of IL-1 beta.

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and interleukin 1 (IL-1) are among the most potent osteotropic cytokines. The expression of mRNA for both TGF-beta and IL-1 beta was studied in human osteoblast-like cells in vitro. These cells constitutively expressed TGF-beta but not IL-1 beta mRNA. Treatment of the cells with the systemic hormones 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25-(OH)2D3] (10(-8) M) and parathyroid hormone (10(-7) M) induced an increase in TGF-beta mRNA but failed to stimulate the production of IL-1-beta mRNA. Retinoic acid (10(-8) M) had no effect on either mRNA species. The cytokines IL-1 alpha (200 pg/ml), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) (17 ng/ml) and bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (500 ng/ml) stimulated the production of IL-1 beta mRNA after 6-8 hours. This was followed by an increase in protein production after 24 hours. In contrast, the production of TGF-beta mRNA remained constant after treatment with these agents. Treatment of the cells with hydrocortisone (10(-8) M) resulted in the suppression of both TGF-beta and IL-1 beta mRNA. However, when the stimulating agent 1,25-(OH)2D3 was added in conjunction with hydrocortisone the mRNA expression of TGF-beta mRNA returned to 70% of the stimulated level. In contrast, the addition of the stimulatory agent IL-1 alpha to hydrocortisone-treated cells resulted in no increase in IL-1 beta mRNA. In-situ hybridization demonstrated both TGF-beta and IL-1 beta mRNA at the cellular level.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Effects of human recombinant tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin 1 on the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan and DNA in cultured rat costal chondrocytes

We examined effects of human rTNF alpha on the synthesis of glycosaminoglycan and DNA in cultured rat costal chondrocytes. The effects of human recombinant IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta were also given attention. rTNF alpha, as well as rIL-1 alpha and rIL-1 beta, decreased the incorporation of [35S]sulfate into glycosaminoglycan to about 10% of the levels in the control. The half-maximal doses of rTNF alpha, rIL-1 alpha or rIL-1 beta required for the suppression of glycosaminoglycan synthesis (by rTNF alpha, rIL-1 alpha, and rIL-1 beta) were 2 ng/ml, 30 ng/ml, or 5 ng/ml, respectively. rTNF alpha stimulated incorporation of [3H]thymidine in the chondrocytes in a dose- and time-dependent manner. DNA synthesis was increased to about threefold over the control cultures in the presence of 1 microgram/ml rTNF alpha for 72 hr. The stimulatory effect of rTNF alpha on DNA synthesis was observed in both subconfluent and confluent cultures, whereas rIL-1 alpha and rIL-1 beta had no stimulatory activity on DNA synthesis. The addition of rTNF alpha to the cultures of chondrocytes stimulated DNA synthesis, even in medium containing no fetal calf serum. The fetal calf serum acted synergistically with rTNF alpha in increasing DNA synthesis. We propose that both TNF and IL-1 may be involved in inflammatory diseases of cartilage, and that TNF alpha, but not IL-1, may have some physiologic growth factor function for chondrocytes.     

Inhibition of hepatocyte growth factor induction in human dermal fibroblasts by interleukin-1 and its prevention by interferon-gamma

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is one of the vital factors for liver regeneration. HGF production is induced by the activation of protein kinase A and protein kinase C-mediated pathways, interleukin (IL)-1, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and epidermal growth factor (EGF) in mesenchymal cells. We here report that IL-1 and TNF-alpha, hitherto regarded as HGF inducers, potently inhibited HGF production stimulated by other HGF inducers. IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and TNF-alpha alone had minimal stimulating effects on HGF production in human dermal fibroblasts, but they strongly inhibited production of HGF induced by cholera toxin, 8-bromo-cAMP, EGF, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Moreover, although the high level of HGF production in MRC-5 cells was enhanced by PMA and less markedly by IL-1beta, HGF production in MRC-5 cells treated with PMA plus IL-1beta was less than that in the cells treated with PMA alone. In the presence of interferon (IFN)-gamma, however, cholera toxin- and 8-bromo-cAMP-induced HGF production was not inhibited by IL-1beta. Pretreatment of cells with IL-1beta suppressed the phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein induced by cholera toxin but not that induced by 8-bromo-cAMP. Taken together, our results indicate that IL-1 inhibited HGF production stimulated by various inducers, including protein kinase A-activating agents, and that IFN-gamma overcame this inhibition of induction of HGF production.     

Human immunodeficiency virus does not induce interleukin-1, interleukin-6, or tumor necrosis factor in mononuclear cells.

The production of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells was evaluated after exposure to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or purified recombinant HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (rgp120). To exclude the role of contaminating endotoxin in this study, all media were subjected to ultrafiltration and reagents contained less than 25 pg of endotoxin per ml by Limulus assay. Under endotoxin-free conditions, no increases in IL-1 beta, IL-6, or TNF-alpha mRNA or protein were detectable in cell cultures exposed to HIV-1, HIV-2, or rgp120 (0.1 to 10 micrograms/ml), as compared with cytokine levels in mock-exposed cultures. However, concentrations of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide) as low as 0.5 ng/ml induced significant production of mRNA and protein for these three cytokines. Preincubation of mononuclear cells with "shake" HIV-1 preparations and also mock-infected shake preparations prior to lipopolysaccharide stimulation resulted in a two- to threefold increase in IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha production. This priming effect was not observed with rgp120 (0.1 to 10 micrograms/ml) or standard HIV-1 or mock-infected supernatants, suggesting the presence of biologically active material independent of virus in the shake preparations. Our studies indicate that, in the absence of endotoxin, HIV-1, HIV-2, and HIV gp120 do not induce production of IL-1 beta, IL-6, or TNF-alpha by peripheral blood mononuclear cells.     

Regulation of interleukin-2 and interleukin-6 production from T-cells: involvement of interleukin-1 beta and transforming growth factor-beta

The effect of recombinant (r) interleukin-1 beta (rIL-1 beta) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) on the production of interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) from an antigen-specific (LBRM-33-1A5) and an antigen-nonspecific (EL-4-NOB-1) T-cell line was investigated. rIL-1 beta induced the production of IL-2 and IL-6 from EL-4-NOB-1 cells in a dose-related manner. The LBRM-33-1A5 cells required phytohemagglutinin (PHA) in addition to rIL-1 beta in order to produce IL-2 and IL-6. IL-2 production was found to precede IL-6 production in both cell lines. No IL-2 or IL-6 production was observed by adding r murine tumor necrosis factor-alpha or r murine interferon gamma to the cells. The presence of 1 ng/ml TGF-beta reduced IL-2 and IL-6 production from both T-cell lines by more than 80%. The inhibition of IL-2 and IL-6 production was still evident by a concentration as low as 10 pg/ml of TGF-beta. rIL-1 beta and PHA also stimulated murine thymocytes to produce IL-6 which was inhibited up to 85% in the presence of 1 ng/ml TGF-beta. Taken together these results suggest that TGF-beta may suppress immune responses by inhibiting the endogenous production of IL-2 and IL-6.     

Characterization of a functional relationship between hepatocyte growth factor and mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells

During the early stage (at 4 weeks) of interleukin-3 (IL-3)-induced development, mouse bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) express alpha 4, alpha 5 and alpha 6 integrins, whereas with further maturation beyond 10 weeks, only alpha 5 integrin remains stably expressed. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) modulates the growth and movement of diverse cell types upon binding to its receptor, encoded by the proto-oncogene c-met. We report here the expression of c-met by BMMC throughout the course of their development. In addition, HGF stimulated migration of early week-4 BMMC, but not of the later stage week-10 BMMC, on fibronectin and laminin substrates. The developmental stage-dependent effect of HGF on BMMC was due to specific stimulation of the migratory function of alpha 4 and alpha 6, but not alpha 5 integrins. In addition, HGF had no effect on BMMC growth, either alone or in combination with IL-3. While HGF is stimulatory of the migratory function of BMMC, our results show that BMMC in turn can modulate HGF function. Thus, upon activation via the IgE receptors, BMMC released proteases that abolished HGF activities. Analyses of the degradation products by two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot using antisera prepared against recombinant HGF and the kringle 3 domain of HGF revealed specific degradation of HGF alpha but not beta/beta' subunits. Therefore, our results suggest that: 1) the motogenic effect of HGF on BMMC varies according to the stage of their development, 2) HGF stimulation of BMMC migration is due to selective activation of alpha 4 and alpha 6, but not alpha 5 integrin function, and 3) there exists a two-way relationship between BMMC and HGF such that HGF stimulates the beta 1 integrin-mediated migratory function of BMMC, which can, in turn, modulate HGF function by release of serine proteases.     

Interleukin-6 induces the synthesis of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1/erythroid potentiating activity (TIMP-1/EPA).

This study examines the role of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in connective tissue metabolism. Effects of different preparations of IL-6 on production of collagenase and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1/erythroid potentiating activity production are studied in human fibroblasts, synoviocytes, and articular chondrocytes. In contrast to interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), IL-6 does not stimulate the production of collagenase, nor does it modulate the stimulatory effects of IL-1 beta and TNF alpha on the production of this proteinase. Furthermore, IL-6 has no detectable effect on prostaglandin E2 production, an additional proinflammatory response induced by IL-1 beta and TNF alpha. IL-6, however, is identified as a potent inducer of de novo synthesis of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1/erythroid potentiating activity in all types of connective tissue cells examined. These results define new biological activities of IL-6 and provide further insight into the regulation of connective tissues by cytokines.     

Induction of interleukin-1 beta production in human dermal fibroblasts by interleukin-1 alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Involvement of protein kinase-dependent and adenylate cyclase-dependent regulatory pathways.

It has previously been demonstrated that interleukin-1 (IL-1) is expressed in a variety of fibroblast cell lines. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms involved in the regulation of IL-1 beta production by cultured human dermal fibroblasts. We have shown that IL-1 beta is constitutively expressed as a cell-associated form, with no soluble form detectable in control cell or in stimulated cell supernatants. IL-1 alpha and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) exerted a dose-dependent stimulation on the production of the cell-associated IL-1 beta, as estimated using a specific enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As expected, this effect was accompanied by a huge release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and a transient rise in intracellular cyclic AMP. Furthermore, IL-1 beta production was elevated to a lesser extent by the addition of increasing concentrations of the protein kinase C activator phorbol myristate acetate or by low concentration (0.001 microgram/ml) of PGE2. In contrast, higher concentrations (0.1 and 1 micrograms/ml) of PGE2, as well as exogenous dibutyryl-cyclic AMP, were clearly inhibitory. H7, an inhibitor of protein kinases also reduced the stimulatory effect of IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha. Together with the results obtained with phorbol myristate acetate, these data suggest that protein kinase C may play a role in the upregulation of IL-1 beta expression in normal skin fibroblasts. The addition of indomethacin not only suppressed prostaglandin synthesis, but also dramatically reduced cyclic AMP formation, probably because the PGE2-induced stimulation of adenylate cyclase was abolished. This resulted in a strong potentiation of the stimulatory effect of IL-1 alpha and TNF-alpha, supporting the role of both the cyclooxygenase and adenylate cyclase pathways in the endogenous downregulation of IL-1 beta induction by the two cytokines studied.     

Induction of interleukin-1alpha production in murine Sertoli cells by interleukin-1

In the present study we examined the involvement of interleukin (IL)-1alpha, -1beta, FSH, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the regulation of IL-1alpha and -1beta production by Sertoli cells under in vitro conditions. Sertoli cell cultures from immature mice produced constitutively basal levels of intracellular IL-1alpha. Stimulation of Sertoli cell cultures with LPS (5 microgram/ml) resulted in a maximal production of intracellular IL-1alpha 2 h after the stimulation. Thereafter, these levels decreased but remained significantly higher within 24 h after stimulation than those in control cultures. The effect of LPS on IL-1alpha production was dose dependent. FSH did not show any effect on intracellular IL-1alpha production by Sertoli cells. IL-1alpha could not be detected in supernatants of unstimulated or stimulated Sertoli cell cultures. Sertoli cell cultures stimulated with recombinant IL-1alpha induced optimal intracellular levels of IL-1alpha within 2 h of stimulation. These levels remained high 24 h after stimulation. However, stimulation of Sertoli cell cultures with IL-1beta induced a peak of IL-1alpha production 8 h after stimulation. These levels decreased 24 h after the stimulation but were still found to be significantly higher than those in control cultures. The addition of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) to Sertoli cell cultures did not significantly alter their capacity to produce IL-1alpha. However, the stimulatory effects of recombinant IL-1alpha on IL-1alpha production by Sertoli cell cultures were reversed by the concomitant addition of recombinant IL-1ra. No immunoreactive IL-1beta could be detected in lysates or conditioned media of immature murine Sertoli cells under any of the stimulatory conditions outlined. Our results may suggest the involvement of physiological (IL-1) and pathophysiological factors (LPS) in the regulation of spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis processes and male fertility.