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Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay
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Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay

Published on: March 1, 2011

Production of interleukin-1 by polymorphonuclear leukocytes resident in periradicular tissue

G A Miller1, T DeMayo, J W Hutter

  • 1Geo-Centers, Inc., Fort Washington, MD, USA.

Journal of Endodontics
|July 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) in endodontic surgery tissues are significant sources of interleukin-1 alpha and beta. These findings suggest PMNs may play a key role in periradicular lesion development and healing.

Area of Science:

  • Oral biology
  • Immunology
  • Endodontics

Background:

  • Periradicular lesions are common sequelae of endodontic infections.
  • Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a key cytokine implicated in inflammatory processes.
  • The cellular sources of IL-1 in periradicular lesions are not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the cells producing IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta in inflammatory periradicular tissues.
  • To investigate the capacity of cells from periradicular lesions to produce IL-1.
  • To re-evaluate the role of IL-1 producing cells in periradicular pathology.

Main Methods:

  • Immunoperoxidase staining of periradicular tissue samples for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta.
  • Analysis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs), plasma cells, and histiocytes.
  • Quantification of IL-1 production in cell suspensions using ELISA.
  • Stimulation of IL-1 production with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Main Results:

  • Over 90% of PMNs in inflamed periradicular tissues stained positively for IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta.
  • Plasma cells and tissue histiocytes also showed positive staining for IL-1.
  • Cell suspensions from periapical granulomas and peripheral blood cells produced significant levels of IL-1.
  • IL-1 production was enhanced upon LPS stimulation.

Conclusions:

  • PMNs infiltrating inflammatory periradicular tissues represent a substantial source of IL-1.
  • The role of PMNs in the pathogenesis and resolution of periradicular lesions warrants further investigation.
  • These findings highlight the importance of PMN-derived IL-1 in endodontic inflammatory conditions.

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