THE EFFECT OF INTERLEUKIN-1-BETA AND INTERLEUKIN-4 ON THE EXPRESSION OF PROSTAGLANDIN RECEPTORS EP1 AND EP3 IN AMNION WISH CELLS

PROBLEM: Although prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) is believed to modulate b iochemical and immunological events leading to parturition, the role o f prostaglandin E receptors during labor has not been investigated. ME THOD OF STUDY: Amnion WISH cells were incubated in media containing in creasing concentrations of either interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) or IL -4. Increased EPI and EP3 protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis with peptide-specific antibodies. Concomitant measureme nts of culture media PGE(2) were made by an enzyme immunoassay. RESULT S: Incubation of WISH cells with IL-1 beta or IL-4 caused a two-to thr ee-fold increase in EP1 protein levels. IL-1 beta and IL-4 also caused six-and two-fold increases, respectively, in culture fluid PGE(2) con centrations. IL-1 beta or IL-4 had no effect on EP3 protein levels. CO NCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it is proposed that IL-IP and IL-4 may be involved in the initiation and promotion of labor by inducing E P1 levels and PGE(2) production in amnion.