The induction of cyclooxygenase-2 by interleukin-4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells: a possible role in regulation of fetal vascular tone.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to determine a possible role for interleukin-4 in the control of umbilical cord blood flow by evaluating its effect on cyclooxygenase-2 production of a vasoactive prostaglandin.


METHODS
Human umbilical vein endothelial cells in culture were incubated for 16 hours in media containing interleukin-4 in concentrations from 5 to 100 ng/ml. Prostaglandin E2 concentrations in the culture media were measured using a monoclonal enzyme-immunoassay. Concentrations of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 were determined by Western blot analysis on cell homogenates. Statistical comparisons between prostaglandin E2, cyclooxygenase-1, and cyclooxygenase-2 concentrations for each interleukin-4 concentration were performed using a one way analysis of variance.


RESULTS
Incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in media containing interleukin-4 resulted in a significant increase in both prostaglandin E2 and cyclooxygenase-2 for interleukin-4 concentrations greater than 50 ng/ml (p < 0.05). Cyclooxygenase-1 levels were not affected.


CONCLUSIONS
We suggest that interleukin-4 may have a role in the regulation of umbilical blood flow mediated through the induction of cyclooxygenase-2.
Lantz
M E
ME
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of South Florida Health Science Center, Tampa, USA.
Spaziani
E P
EP
Benoit
R R
RR
O'Brien
W F
WF
D015153:Blotting, Western; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000201:enzymology*; D004790:Enzyme Induction; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D007527:Isoenzymes / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011247:Pregnancy; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D011458:Prostaglandins E / Q000096:biosynthesis; D014471:Umbilical Veins / Q000201:enzymology*
D007527:Isoenzymes; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D011458:Prostaglandins E; D015847:Interleukin-4; D051546:Cyclooxygenase 2; C496540:PTGS2 protein, human; D011451:Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases