Interleukin-1 suppresses mesangial cell growth via inhibition of Ca2+ entry

We have investigated the effect of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on the cell growth and Ca2+ homeostasis of rat mesangial cells in culture. DNA synthesis measured by [3H]thymidine uptake by mesangial cells was significantly inhibited by IL-1 (10 U/ml) and the calcium channel antagonist nicardipine (5 x 10(-6) M). 45Ca2+ uptake by mesangial cells was also significantly inhibited by IL-1 and nicardipine. The above observations support the premise that IL-1 suppresses the growth of mesangial cells via inhibition of extracellular Ca2+ entry to the cytosol.