Early cytokine synthesis in the excised mouse cornea

Robert N. Lausch, Shun Hua Chen, Terrence M. Tumpey, Ying Hsiu Su, John E. Oakes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

44 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Corneas excised from normal BALB/c mice and incubated in vitro were analyzed for the production of 'early-warning' cytokines via reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and ELISA. It was found that the trauma of excision stimulated rapid IL-1α synthesis, with peak protein accumulation occurring at 6 h, whereas IL-6 synthesis was maximal at 18 h. Neither IL-1β protein nor message was detected at any point, and TNF-α synthesis never increased above constitutive levels. Antibody neutralization of endogenous IL-lα blocked IL-6 synthesis. Addition of exogenous IL-1α induced IL-1α and IL-6 synthesis in vitro. Inoculation of IL-1α into the cornea induced IL-6 synthesis in vivo. Addition of IL-1α could stimulate IL- 1R, IL-1α, and IL-6 mRNA synthesis in the epithelial, stromal, and endothelial components of the cornea. However, protein production was readily detected only in the epithelial layer. We concluded that mechanical trauma to the mouse cornea triggers the enhanced synthesis of IL-1α and IL-1R, which in turn results in the production of IL-6 and more IL-1α. That corneal excision did not stimulate the synthesis of IL-1β or TNF-α indicates that there is a selective induction of early cytokine expression in this specialized tissue.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)35-40
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Interferon and Cytokine Research
Volume16
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1996 Jan

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Virology

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