Related Experiment Videos
Interleukin-6 expression and regulation in rat enteric glial cells
A Rühl1, S Franzke, S M Collins
1Department of Gastroenterology, University of Heidelberg, Bergheimer Str. 58, D-69115 Heidelberg, Germany. anne.ruehl@med.uni-heldelberg.de
Summary
Enteric glial cells in the gut can produce interleukin-6 (IL-6). Their production of this cytokine is regulated by other cytokines, suggesting a role in gut immunity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The function of enteric nervous system (ENS) glia, especially under immune stimulation, remains largely unknown.
- Enteric glial cells play a crucial role in maintaining gut homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of cultured enteroglial cells for cytokine synthesis and secretion.
- To understand the immunomodulatory role of enteric glial cells in the ENS.
Main Methods:
- Enteroglial cells were isolated from rat jejunal myenteric plexus and cultured.
- Cells were stimulated with recombinant rat interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha.
- IL-6 mRNA expression and secretion were measured using RT-PCR and bioassay.
Main Results:
- Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) stimulated IL-6 mRNA and protein synthesis in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
- Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) did not affect IL-6 expression.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) dose-dependently suppressed its own mRNA expression.
Conclusions:
- Enteric glial cells are a potential source of IL-6 in the myenteric plexus.
- Cytokine production by enteric glial cells is regulated by other cytokines.
- Enteric glial cells function as immunomodulatory cells within the ENS.