A cytokine profile of normal and malignant ovary.
We defined a cytokine mRNA profile of 12 ovarian cancer biopsies, 10 normal/benign biopsies, six ovarian cancer cell lines and three ovarian cancer xenografts, using RT-PCR. The profile, based on screening for 25 cytokines and 12 receptor mRNAs, was rich in growth factors, pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, but weak in lymphocyte-associated cytokines. The pattern was unique to ovarian tissue, but similar in normal, benign and malignant biopsies, with > 80% samples expressing 16 cytokines in common. Fourteen of these were also expressed by > 65% cell lines, but fewer were detected in xenografts. Potential autocrine loops existed for IL-1, IGF-1, M-CSF, GM-CSF and TNF-alpha. IL-4 and IFN-gamma receptors were expressed in absence of ligand. Chemokines RANTES, MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta were expressed in biopsies, but were rarely detected in cell lines and absent from xenografts. IGF-1 and its receptor was expressed in every sample, as was IFN-gamma receptor. Another 10 cytokine mRNAs and six receptors were expressed in > 80% samples. These may contribute to key survival/growth loops. Similarities between normal and malignant biopsies suggest that analogous processes of remodelling and repair occur. RT-PCR proved a rapid, reproducible screen, but further assays are required to detect quantitative differences between normal and malignant tissues and tumour models.
Biological Therapy Laboratory, Imperial Cancer Research Fund, London.
F
F
Burke
M
M
Relf
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R
Negus
F
F
Balkwill
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D009368:Neoplasm Transplantation; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism*; D010053:Ovary / Q000378:metabolism*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014183:Transplantation, Heterologous; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
D016207:Cytokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D018121:Receptors, Cytokine