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Influence of interleukin 6 on the function of secondary cultures of human thyrocytes
A Krogh Rasmussen1, L Kayser, K Bech
1Medical Department E, Frederiksberg Hospital, Denmark.
Insights
Interleukin 6 (IL-6) was investigated for its role in mediating interleukin 1 (IL-1) effects on human thyroid cells. Studies found IL-6 minimally impacts thyroid cell function, suggesting it does not mediate IL-1
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is known to inhibit human thyrocyte function.
- Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is hypothesized to mediate some IL-1 effects in certain cell systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of IL-6 on human thyroid cell function.
- To determine if IL-6 mediates the inhibitory effects of IL-1 on thyrocytes.
Main Methods:
- Human thyrocytes in secondary cultures were treated with recombinant IL-6.
- Thyroid cell function was assessed by measuring cAMP production, thyroglobulin production, and DNA content.
- Effects were compared to IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta, and endotoxin contamination was controlled for.
Main Results:
- Recombinant IL-6 showed a slight inhibition of cAMP production but did not affect thyroglobulin production or DNA content.
- Endotoxins had minimal inhibitory effects, and IL-6's effects were not attributable to endotoxin contamination.
- IL-6 did not mimic IL-1 effects, and antibodies to IL-6 did not block IL-1 beta-induced inhibition.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin 6 is unlikely to be the sole mediator of Interleukin 1's biological effects on human thyroid cells.
- The study clarifies the distinct roles of IL-6 and IL-1 in thyroid cell regulation.
Abstract:
Interleukin 6 has been suggested as second mediator of the effects of interleukin 1 in some cell systems. Interleukin 1 has previously been shown to inhibit the function of human thyrocytes in secondary cultures. We have therefore studied the influence of interleukin 6 (10(-1)-5.10(7) U/l) on the function of thyroid cells. Recombinant interleukin 6 slightly inhibited the production of cAMP, but failed to influence the production of thyroglobulin or the DNA content. Endotoxins (lipopolysaccharides from Salmonella abortus equi or Yersinia enterocolitica) had only a slightly inhibitory effect on thyroid cell functions, and the effect of interleukin 6 could not by itself be explained by endotoxin contamination. The effect of interleukin 6 did not mimic effects on thyroid cells afforded by recombinant interleukin 1 alpha and 1 beta. Furthermore, antibodies to interleukin 6 were not able to inhibit the interleukin 1 beta-induced inhibition of thyroid cell functions. In conclusion, it is unlikely that interleukin 6 by itself mediates the biological effects of interleukin 1 on human thyroid cells.