Interactive effects between cytokines on PGE production by human periodontal ligament fibroblasts in vitro

Mononuclear cell production of cytokines that stimulate fibroblast production of prostaglandin E (PGE) is an important mechanism by which mononuclear cells regulate fibroblast function. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of the cytokines interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), and interferon gamma (IFN-gamma), alone or in paired combinations, on PGE production by near-confluent human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts in vitro. Premolars extracted in the course of orthodontic treatment were used for this study. Fibroblast cultures, free of epithelial cells, were obtained after the fourth subculture by the use of accurately-timed trypsin treatment. Cells in the fourth to sixth passage, incubated in DMEM supplemented with 10% equine serum, were used for these experiments. Cells (1 x 10(5)) were seeded in 12- x -75-mm tissue culture tubes and incubated with various doses of IL-1 beta, IL-1 alpha, TNF-alpha, and IFN-gamma, alone or in specific combinations, for 15 min, two, 12, 24, and 72 h. PGE concentrations in the media were measured by radio-immunoassay. The results showed that human PDL fibroblasts responded to the administration of cytokines by an elevation in the synthesis of PGE in a dose- and time-related fashion. The increase in PGE production was inhibited by the addition of indomethacin. The interactions between these cytokines varied in degree, depending on the particular combinations of cytokines. In addition, the administration of cytokine combinations was found to be additive, synergistic, subtractive, or suppressive on the production of PGE by PDL fibroblasts, depending on the duration of incubation. These experiments demonstrate the importance of the consideration of the interplay between cytokines produced by mononuclear cells on the mechanisms that regulate the functions of PDL fibroblasts.