LPS mediated production of IL-1, PGE(2) and PGF(2 alpha) from term deciduainvolves tumour necrosis factor and tumour necrosis factor receptor p55

Prostaglandins, with cytokines involved as intermediate factors, may have a n essential role in premature labour when infection is present. We therefor e wanted to study tumour necrosis factor (TNF), in cytokine and prostagland in production in reproductive tissue. Decidual cell cultures were establish ed and cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Media concentr ations of TNF, interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6 and prostaglandin E2 and F2 alpha were analysed, and involvement of LPS receptor CD14, TNF and TNF receptors (p55 and p75) were analysed, by studying effects after administration of s pecific antibodies. LPS induced an early peak elevation of TNF, with a subs equent release of IL-I, IL-6 and prostaglandins. Antibodies against CD14 in hibited these LPS effects. TNF antibodies reduced production of IL-1 and pr ostaglandins, whereas no significant influence on IL-6 production was obser ved. Antibodies against the TNF receptor p55 reduced all observed TNF effec ts. In contrast, p75 antibodies did not influence cytokine or prostaglandin production in this system. Our results suggest that increased TNF producti on is a prerequisite for LPS stimulated production of IL-1 and prostaglandi ns from decidual cells. LPS may directly stimulate IL-6 production. Of the two TNF receptors studied, only p55 seemed to be involved in the TNF signal transduction. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.