Local expression of cytokine messenger RNA in rat model of Escherichia coli epididymitis.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

In order to investigate whether cytokines play an important role in the regulation of host defense against bacterial epididymitis, we examined the local expression of cytokine mRNA in a rat model of Escherichia coli epididymitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Escherichia coli was inoculated into the spermatic cord of the rats and provoked epididymitis. At 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours postinfection (p.i.) epididymides were harvested. We examined interleukin-6 (IL-6) and other inflammatory cytokine mRNAs in epididymides by Northern blotting and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Histopathological findings and immunohistochemistry for IL-6 were also examined.

RESULTS:

Infected epididymides expressed IL-6 mRNA maximally at 6 hours p.i. and then the signal decreased by Northern blotting. mRNA for IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha also increased within 6 hours by RT-PCR. Histopathological examination showed that no inflammatory cells were observed at 6 hours p.i. and that inflammatory changes were most prominent at 72 hours p.i. Epididymal epithelium expressed IL-6 locally in response to local bacterial infection by immunohistochemistry.

CONCLUSIONS:

mRNA for IL-1 beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha is expressed locally in response to bacterial infection before inflammatory cell infiltration. This rapid expression in the epithelial cells may be important in host defense to local genital infection.

• Authors: K Tanaka, M Fujisawa, S Arakawa, S Kamidono
• Journal: The Journal of urology (J Urol) Vol. 154 Issue 6 Pg. 2179-84 (Dec 1995) ISSN: 0022-5347 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7500485 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Cytokines
• Interleukin-6
• RNA, Messenger

Topics

• Animals
• Cytokines (genetics)
• Epididymitis (microbiology, pathology)
• Escherichia coli
• Gene Expression Regulation (genetics)
• Interleukin-6 (genetics)
• Male
• RNA, Messenger
• Rats
• Rats, Wistar