Enhanced epithelial proliferation due to elevated levels of interleukin-1 receptors in middle ear cholesteatomas.
Middle ear cholesteatoma epithelium is a rich source of interleukin-1-alpha (IL-1-alpha), being involved in both keratinocyte hyperproliferation and bone destruction. IL-1-alpha exerts its effects by binding to two distinct IL-1 receptors (IL-1-R). In this study, we have examined the expression of IL-1-R type II (IL-1-R-II) in cholesteatoma samples and have quantified these levels with computer-assisted image analysis. Normal aural skin was used as control. Immunostaining demonstrated the presence of IL-1-R-II in both epidermis and cholesteatoma keratinocytes. The receptors were 3 times higher than those in normal epidermis. The presence of IL-1-alpha in cholesteatoma epithelium coupled with the induced expression of IL-1-R-II indicates the existence of a highly regulated system of autocrine stimulation of cholesteatoma keratinocytes by IL-1.
Bujia
J
J
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.
Kim
C
C
Ostos-Aumente
P
P
Lopez-Villarejo
J
J
Kastenbauer
E
E
D002455:Cell Division / Q000502:physiology*; D018424:Cholesteatoma, Middle Ear / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D004424:Ear Canal / Q000473:pathology; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1 / Q000032:analysis* / Q000502:physiology
D017472:Receptors, Interleukin-1