[In situ expression of IL-1 beta and IL-2 mRNA in thymuses from patients with myasthenia gravis].
The expression of IL-1 beta mRNA and IL-2 mRNA was analyzed in seven thymuses from patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) and in three normal thymuses using in situ hybridization techniques. Cells containing IL-beta mRNA were detected in all seven cases. These IL-1 beta producing cells were mainly located and clustered in the connective structures of thymic septae and peri-lobuler area like anti-keratin AE3 positive cells. The distribution of anti-CD68 positive cells was different from that of IL-1 beta producing cells in thymus of myasthenia gravis patients. IL-2 producing cells were also found in all seven cases, and their frequency (number of cells/mm2) had a tendency to correlate with the severity of the disease. On the other hand, we could not find both IL-1 beta mRNA and IL-2 mRNA in three normal thymuses. These results suggested a possible role of high IL-1 beta and IL-2 production to activate T cells in myasthenia gravis thymus. Furthermore, in situ production of IL-2 might be reflected in the severity of the disease.
Utsugisawa
K
K
Department of Neurology, Iwate Medical University.
Yamagata
M
M
Saitho
K
K
Kawamorita
A
A
Tohgi
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000235:genetics*; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000235:genetics*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009157:Myasthenia Gravis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000378:metabolism*
D007375:Interleukin-1; D007376:Interleukin-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger