Characterization of the amnion-derived AV3 cell line for use as a model for investigation of prostaglandin-cytokine interactions in human amnion

Increased production of prostaglandins and cytokines by amnion, particularl y prostaglandin (PG) E-2, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8, is thought to be an important event in infection-associated preterm labour. We characterized th e amnion-derived AV3 cell line to determine its appropriateness as a model for investigation of the regulation of amnion cytokine and PG production. A mnion-derived AV3 cells were treated with tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF -alpha, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and p horbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and IL-6, IL-8 and prostaglandin produ ction was determined by immunoassay. Production of IL-6 and IL-8 rose drama tically with all treatments. PGE(2), but not PGF(2 alpha) or 6-keto- PGF(1 alpha), biosynthesis was also increased in a concentration- dependent manne r with all treatments. A rapid increase in PGHS-2 (but not PGHS-1) mRNA exp ression was observed in response to TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta. We conclude th at the AV3 cell line inflammatory response profile is similar to those obse rved in primary amnion and other amnion-derived cell lines, and is an appro priate model for human amnion. (C) 1999 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.