Human endometrial interleukin-6 (IL-6): in vivo messenger ribonucleic acid expression, in vitro protein production, and stimulation thereof by IL-1 beta.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate human endometrial interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression and effects thereon by IL-1 beta.


METHODS
Prospective.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Endometrial biopsy specimens from normal volunteers (n = 20) at four specific menstrual stages were used for in vivo study. Endometrial specimens for in vitro study were obtained from patients (n = 19) undergoing gynecologic surgery.


METHODS
Time and dose-response treatment of endometria with IL-1 beta in tissue culture.


METHODS
In vivo IL-6 messenger RNA expression by Northern analysis and in vitro endometrial IL-6 protein production by assay of the conditioned media.


RESULTS
Midsecretory and late secretory phase endometria expressed more IL-6 messenger RNA than late proliferative phase endometria in vivo. Similarly in vitro, in pg/mg endometrium per hour secretory endometria IL-6 protein production, 25.7 +/- 7.1 (mean +/- SEM), exceeded that of proliferative endometria, 4.7 +/- 1.0. With IL-1 beta treatment, secretory endometria IL-6 protein production exceeded that of proliferative endometria. Interleukin-1 beta stimulated endometrial IL-6 protein production in time- and dose-dependent manners.


CONCLUSIONS
Human endometrial IL-6 expression varies with the menstrual cycle, occurs more highly in secretory endometria, and in vitro is stimulated by interleukin-1 beta. Human endometrial IL-6 may therefore mediate some actions of IL-1 beta involving the endometrium and trophoblast.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Virginia, Richmond 23298, USA.
D T
DT
Vandermolen
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D046508:Culture Techniques; D004717:Endometrium / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics*; D008597:Menstrual Cycle; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism*
D007375:Interleukin-1; D015850:Interleukin-6; D012333:RNA, Messenger