EFFECT OF INTERLEUKIN-1-ALPHA, INTERLEUKIN-1-BETA AND TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA ON THE INTRACELLULAR FLUORESCEIN FLUORESCENCE POLARIZATION OF HUMAN LUNG FIBROBLASTS

In the present study we aimed to detect early intracellular changes in the cytoplasmic matrix induced in human, pulmonary-derived fibroblast s following exposure to interleukin (IL)-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Such changes were detected by measuring intrace llular fluorescein fluorescence polarization (IFFP) using the Cellscan apparatus. IFFP measurement was selected in our study since it has be en shown to reflect the microviscosity of the cytoplasmic matrix. Sign ificant reductions (greater than or equal to 5%) in the IFFP were indu ced in fibroblasts by all the cytokines employed. The effect of cytoki nes on IFFP was achieved at concentrations of 5-10 ng/ml of the cytoki nes. The reduction in IFFP, following stimulation with the cytokines, was detected as early as 20 min after exposure to the cytokines, laste d at least 40-60 min after exposure to IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, and w as inhibited by vinblastine, an inhibitor of the polymerization of mic rotubules. Our results show that IFFP measurements by the Cellscan may reveal rapid intracellular changes occurring in the cytoskeleton comp onents of activated cells.