Expression of interleukin-6 and interleukin-6 receptors in human granulosa lutein cells.
Cytokines are important regulators of reproductive functions. Significant amounts of interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been detected in the serum and ascites of patients with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). These findings suggest the involvement of IL-6 as a mediator in the pathogenesis of OHSS. This study was performed to analyse IL-6 and IL-6 receptor (IL-6-R) expression in human granulosa lutein cells (GC). GC were cultured after isolation from follicular fluid. IL-6 concentrations in follicular fluid and serum from individual patients and GC supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We found detectable concentrations of IL-6 in serum and follicular fluid of all patients. Expression of IL-6 in GC was shown immunocytochemically. IL-6 mRNA was detected in GC by in-situ hybridization. Gene expression for IL-6 and IL-6-R in GC was demonstrated using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. IL-6 significantly inhibited human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG)-induced progesterone secretion of GC. The results of our study suggest that IL-6 is expressed in HGC and that this cytokine is able to modulate GC function via its specific receptor. This is the first report that describes the precence of IL-6-R in human granulosa lutein cells.
Keck
C
C
Rajabi
Z
Z
Pfeifer
K
K
Bettendorf
H
H
Brandstetter
T
T
Breckwoldt
M
M
D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006107:Granulosa Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics
D015850:Interleukin-6; D019947:Receptors, Interleukin-6