IL-4 AND IL-13, BUT NOT IL-10, ARE CHEMOTACTIC FACTORS FOR HUMAN OSTEOBLASTS

In this study we demonstrate that the cytokines IL-4 and IL-13, but no t IL-10, can induce osteoblast chemotaxis. Recombinant IL-4 (rIL-4) an d rIL-13 mediated cell migration was observed using a modified multi-w ell Boyden chamber system. Maximum chemotaxis was observed at concentr ations of 100 ng/ml of both rIL-4 and rIL-13 with a chemotactic index of 2.0 +/- 0.1 and 2.3 +/- 0.4, respectively in this system, whereas I L-10 did not show chemotactic abilities for osteoblasts. Our results s uggest that IL-4 and IL-13 could take part in the recruitment of osteo blasts and thereby be of importance in the cytokine regulation of bone resorption and healing.