ANALYSIS OF MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION FOR INTERLEUKIN-1 GENES ON HUMANTESTICULAR CELLS

We have investigated mRNA expression for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta gene on fractionated human testicular cells. Using RT-PCR and Northern blo t hybridization technique we detected the presence of IL-1 alpha trans cripts, predominantly in the intratubular compartment of the testis, c omprising gametogenic and Sertoli cells. We were also able to detect m RNA for IL-1 alpha on the testicular interstitium, but at significantl y lower levels. The intertubular compartment of the testis, mainly con sisting of macrophages and Leydig cells, appeared however, to be a sit e for IL-1 beta gene expression. Our experimental data confirm previou s results obtained in animal models indicating that the testis is capa ble of producing interleukin-1 under physiological conditions. Testicu lar IL-1 may function as a tissue-specific factor modulating both sper mato- and steroidogenic activity of human testis.