Interleukin 11 reduces apoptosis in UVB-irradiated mouse skin.
BACKGROUND
UVB radiation, the major cause of skin cancer, causes apoptosis in the skin, characterized by the appearance of 'sunburn cells'. Interleukin 11 (IL-11) has been shown to protect cells in the gastrointestinal system from chemotherapy and radiation-induced death.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether exogenous IL-11 has any effect on the UVB-induced apoptosis of cutaneous tissues.


METHODS
Mice were injected with IL-11 or vehicle control prior to irradiation, and TUNEL assays were performed on paraffin-embedded tissue sections at various times after irradiation.


RESULTS
Exogenous IL-11 protects epidermal keratinocytes, epithelial cells of the hair follicles inflammatory cells and fibroblasts in the dermis from UVB-induced apoptotic death.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that IL-11 may play a role in the general homeostasis of the skin.
Scordi
I A
IA
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33101, USA.
Nassiri
M
M
Hanly
A J
AJ
Vincek
V
V
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000528:radiation effects; D000078404:Epidermal Cells; D004817:Epidermis / Q000187:drug effects / Q000528:radiation effects; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000528:radiation effects; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D017370:Interleukin-11 / Q000235:genetics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000528:radiation effects; D013473:Sunscreening Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D015854:Up-Regulation
D017370:Interleukin-11; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D013473:Sunscreening Agents