IL-1 alpha induces inducible nitric oxide synthase in uterine smooth muscle.
In a previous report, we have identified interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) in amniotic fluid of women with premature rupture of the amniotic membrane (PROM), and suggested that this cytokine may play a role in the development of the fetus. To clarify the functional role of amniotic IL-1 alpha, we studied its effect on the induction of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in the uterus. IL-1 alpha administered intraperitoneally to rats induced an increase in the amount of mRNA encoding the macro-phage-type iNOS which was determined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. NO measurement by NO selective electrode revealed that NO production in the rat and human uterus treated with IL-1 alpha was promoted by the addition of 1 mM L-arginine to the culture medium. These findings suggest that in women with PROM, amniotic IL-1 alpha may reduce uterine contractions, in part, by inducing of iNOS.
Yamamoto
S
S
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Tokushima School of Medicine, Japan.
Kamada
M
M
Maegawa
M
M
Takikawa
M
M
Nakaya
Y
Y
Niwa
M
M
Aono
T
T
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004790:Enzyme Induction / Q000187:drug effects; D005260:Female; D005987:Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009130:Muscle, Smooth / Q000187:drug effects / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism; D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000187:drug effects / Q000235:genetics; D009924:Organ Culture Techniques; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014599:Uterus / Q000166:cytology / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000378:metabolism
D007375:Interleukin-1; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C068142:glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (304-313); D019001:Nitric Oxide Synthase; D005987:Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases