The induction of cyclooxygenase-2 by interleukin-4 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells: A possible role in regulation of fetal vascular tone

• Published in: American journal of obstetrics and gynecology Vol. 178; no. 2; pp. 255 - 258
• Main Authors: Lantz, Michael E., Spaziani, Eric P., Benoit, Raymond R., O'Brien, William F.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Philadelphia, PA Mosby, Inc 01.02.1998; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Blotting, Western; Cells, Cultured; Cyclooxygenase; Cyclooxygenase 2; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Endothelium, Vascular - enzymology; Enzyme Induction; Female; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; human umbilical vein endothelial cells; Humans; interleukin-4; Interleukin-4 - administration & dosage; Interleukin-4 - pharmacology; Isoenzymes - biosynthesis; Mammalian female genital system; Membrane Proteins; Morphology. Physiology; Pregnancy; Prostaglandin-Endoperoxide Synthases - biosynthesis; Prostaglandins E - biosynthesis; umbilical blood flow; Umbilical Veins - enzymology; Vertebrates: reproduction; interleukin-4; umbilical blood flow; Cyclooxygenase; human umbilical vein endothelial cells; Human; Cell culture; Endothelial cell; Arachidonic acid derivatives; Cytokine; Prostaglandin E2; Enzyme immunoassay; In vitro; Blood flow; Pregnancy; Interleukin 4; Regulation(control); Immunoblotting assay; Physiology; Umbilical vein
• ISSN: 0002-9378; 1097-6868
• DOI: 10.1016/S0002-9378(98)80009-4

Objective: We sought to determine a possible role for interleukin-4 in the control of umbilical cord blood flow by evaluating its effect on cyclooxygenase-2 production of a vasoactive prostaglandin. Study Design: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells in culture were incubated for 16 hours in media containing interleukin-4 in concentrations from 5 to 100 ng/ml. Prostaglandin E 2 concentrations in the culture media were measured using a monoclonal enzyme-immunoassay. Concentrations of cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 were determined by Western blot analysis on cell homogenates. Statistical comparisons between prostaglandin E 2, cyclooxygenase-1, and cyclooxygenase-2 concentrations for each interleukin-4 concentration were performed using a one way analysis of variance. Results: Incubation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in media containing interleukin-4 resulted in a significant increase in both prostaglandin E 2 and cyclooxygenase-2 for interleukin-4 concentrations greater than 50 ng/ml ( p<0.05). Cyclooxygenase-1 levels were not affected. Conclusions: We suggest that interleukin-4 may have a role in the regulation of umbilical blood flow mediated through the induction of cyclooxygenase-2.