Gt. Furuta et al., Eosinophil granule-derived major basic protein induces IL-8 expression in human intestinal myofibroblasts, CLIN EXP IM, 122(1), 2000, pp. 35-40
Eosinophil infiltration occurs in a variety of allergic and inflammatory di
seases, The release of preformed mediators From eosinophils may contribute
to inflammatory responses. We investigated the ability of eosinophil-derive
d major basic protein and eosinophil-derived neurotoxin to stimulate produc
tion of IL-8 from intestinal myofibroblasts. Intestinal myofibroblasts (18-
Co cells) were incubated with major basic protein, eosinophil-derived neuro
toxin, or a synthetic analogue of major basic protein, poly-L-arginine. Imm
unoreactive IL-g was measured by ELISA and IL-8 mRNA levels were analysed b
y Northern blot or reverse transcription-polymerase chain assay. Major basi
c protein induced IL-8 mRNA production and release of significant levels of
IL-8 immunoreactive protein. By contrast, eosinophil-derived neurotoxin st
imulated little IL-8 release. The induction of IL-8 mRNA by poly-L-arginine
was significantly inhibited by actinomycin D. These findings demonstrate a
novel interaction between eosinophils and intestinal fibroblasts that may
be involved in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with tissue eosinoph
ilia.