Differential expression of interleukins IL-13 and IL-15 in normal ovarian tissue and ovarian carcinomas.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the temporal and spatial expression of interleukins (IL)-13 and IL-15 in ovarian carcinoma compared to normal ovarian tissue.


METHODS
Quantitative RT-PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemistry.


RESULTS
Q-RT-PCR, ELISA and immunohistochemical analysis indicates that IL-13 and IL-15 mRNA and protein are expressed in normal ovary at various phases of the menstrual cycle with immunoreactive proteins detected in granulosa/theca and luteal cells and to a lesser extent in stromal cells and surface epithelial cells. Compared to normal ovary, ovarian carcinoma expresses elevated levels of IL-13 and IL-15 mRNA, with higher IL-13 expression in primary vs. metastatic tumors. IL-13 and IL-15 protein expression was also higher in the tumor tissues compared to ascites. In normal ovary, ovarian tumors and ascites, the ratio of IL-13/IL-15 favored IL-13. Immunoreactive IL-13 and IL-15 proteins were localized primarily in the tumor cells and infiltrated inflammatory cells with increased intensity with disease stage.


CONCLUSIONS
Normal ovary and ovarian tumors express IL-13 and IL-15 and pattern of their expression in carcinomas suggests that these cytokines may function in various ovarian cellular activities including inflammatory/immune responses that are integrated cellular events taking place in normal ovary and ovarian tumors.
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL 32610-0294, USA.
Daylene
D
Ripley
Brenda
B
Shoup
Andrew
A
Majewski
Nasser
N
Chegini
D001201:Ascites / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D018793:Interleukin-13 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D019409:Interleukin-15 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000276:immunology; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000276:immunology* / Q000502:physiology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D020133:Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
D018793:Interleukin-13; D019409:Interleukin-15; D012333:RNA, Messenger