[Human cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells produce interleukin-6]

Production of interleukin 6 (IL-6) from cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells (RPE) was demonstrated using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Production of IL-6 occurred without any stimulation and significantly increased approximately 2-5 times by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or interleukin 1 alpha stimulation. Hydrocortisone reduced the production of the LPS-stimulated IL-6 to a half level. Both gel filtration and western blotting analysis indicated the molecular weight of IL-6 as 30,000-35,000. IL-6 produced in the RPE may play a role in amplifying ocular immune and inflammatory responses.