EVALUATION OF BIOLOGICAL RESPONSES TO POLYMERIC BIOMATERIALS BY RT-PCR ANALYSIS .1. STUDY OF IL-1-BETA MESSENGER-RNA EXPRESSION

In this study, we introduce a novel research methodology, the evaluati on of mRNA expression of cells contacting with polymeric materials usi ng reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis H L-60 was used as a model of the macrophages. The expression of interle ukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) mRNA, a cytokine secreted by macrophages, was selected to estimate the extent of inflammation. The expression of IL- 1 beta mRNA in the HL60 cells cultured on various substrates and in Va rious conditions was studied. Expression of IL-1 beta could be success fully determined by RT-PGR analysis. A 48 h incubation period was nece ssary to clarify the expression of IL-1 beta mRNA. It became clear tha t lipopolysaccharide stimulation was not necessary in this analysis be cause of the high sensitivity of RT-PCR analysis. It is concluded that RT-PCR analysis is a powerful tool for studying cell-polymer interact ion, and is a complementary method for ELISA. (C) 1996 Elsevier Scienc e Limited