Ovarian steroids modulate human monocyte tumor necrosis factor alpha messenger ribonucleic acid levels in cultured human peripheral monocytes.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels in human peripheral monocytes are regulated by ovarian steroids.


METHODS
Human granulosa-luteal cells and cultured, activated human peripheral monocytes were subjected to Northern blot analysis for TNF-alpha mRNA.


METHODS
Academic research laboratory.


METHODS
Two human female volunteers of reproductive age and in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.


RESULTS
Human granulosa-luteal cells produce TNF-alpha mRNA. Physiological levels of progesterone (P) and estradiol (E2) modulate TNF-alpha mRNA from peripheral blood monocytes with an apparent inverse relationship between steroid concentration and TNF-alpha message.


CONCLUSIONS
Progesterone and E2 at physiological concentrations regulate TNF-alpha mRNA production. The P antagonist mifepristone (RU486) and the E2 agonist/antagonist tamoxifen modulate total TNF-alpha mRNA levels, suggesting involvement of specific receptors.
Loy
R A
RA
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut.
Loukides
J A
JA
Polan
M L
ML
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003470:Culture Media; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D009000:Monocytes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D013997:Time Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000235:genetics*
D003470:Culture Media; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D011374:Progesterone; D004958:Estradiol