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Testicular interleukin-6 response to systemic inflammation
Mahmoud Abu Elhija1, Hadas Potashnik, Eitan Lunenfeld
1Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion-University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.
European Cytokine Network
|June 9, 2005
Summary
Systemic infection with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increases Interleukin-6 (IL-6) in mouse testes. This finding suggests inflammation impacts male fertility and potentially protects testicular tissue.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Biology
- Immunology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Spermatogenesis is crucial for male fertility and can be disrupted by inflammation.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine involved in immune responses and inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of systemic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on testicular IL-6 expression in sexually immature and adult mice.
Main Methods:
- Mice (immature and adult) were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with LPS.
- Testicular IL-6 protein and mRNA levels were measured using ELISA and RT-PCR, respectively.
Main Results:
- LPS injection significantly increased IL-6 protein and mRNA in adult mouse testes at 3 hours.
- In immature mice, LPS significantly increased IL-6 protein and mRNA at various doses and time points.
- IL-6 levels were generally higher in immature mice compared to adult mice, both before and after LPS administration.
Conclusions:
- Systemic inflammation via LPS induces IL-6 over-expression in mouse testes.
- Elevated testicular IL-6 suggests a role for inflammation in affecting testicular function and male fertility.
- High IL-6 levels during inflammation might offer protective effects for testicular tissue.