Endothelin-1 induces expression of fetal genes through the interleukin-6 family of cytokines in cardiac myocytes

We here examined the role of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family of cytokines i n endothelin-l (ET-l)-induced hypertrophic responses using cultured cardiac myocytes of neonatal rats. ET-I induced expression of IL-6 and leukemia in hibitory factor (LIF) genes. ET-l-induced LIF gene expression was abolished by inhibition of protein kinase C activity. ET-1 activated the promoter of atrial natriuretic peptide and P-type myosin heavy chain genes through the tyrosine kinase pathway and IL-6 receptor gp130, These results suggest tha t the IL-6 family of cytokines mediates ET-l-induced expression of some fet al genes in cardiac myocytes, (C) 1999 Federation of European Biochemical S ocieties.