[Induction of prostaglandin E2 by interleukin 1 in human lens epithelial cells]

The authors proposed the hypothesis that pseudophakic inflammation, including the fibrin reaction, may be caused by interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, other cytokines and/or prostaglandins (PGs), synthesized by residual lens epithelial cells (LEC). In testing our hypothesis, we have already detected IL-1 alpha, IL-6 and PGE2 in the culture media of human LEC obtained by capsulotomy during cataract surgery. In this paper, we studied the time course of PGE2-synthesis and interaction between IL-1 and PGE2. PGE2 concentration was measured by radioimmunoassay in the culture media to which rabbit antihuman IL-1 polyclonal antibody was added after culture for 6 h, 1 day, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 weeks. There was no increase of PGE2, whereas in the untreated control culture media significant increase of PGE2 was confirmed. The results show that the antihuman IL-1 polyclonal antibody suppressed PGE2-synthesis. Thus, IL-1 induces PGE2 synthesis in human LEC culture.