The Cytokine Interleukin-6 Increases Expression of the Cell Adhesion Molecules E-Selectin and VCAM-1 on Endothelial Cells in Vitro: A Role in Preeclampsia?

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether the previously reported increases in Interleukin-6 and cell adhesion molecules in preeclampsia may be linked, the effects of Interleukin-6 on endothelial cell expression of cell adhesion molecules, E-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), were studied in vitro.

Methods: Endothelial cells were prepared from umbilical veins and used on the first passage. VCAM and E-Selectin mRNA were assessed by Northern analysis following incubation of the cells with Interleukin-6 (0,10,100,500, or 1000 Units/mL) for 4 h at 37°C. VCAM-1 and E-Selectin proteins were assessed by immunocytochemistry following incubation of the cells with Interleukin-6 (500 Units/mL) for 0, 4, 8, or 24 h at 37°C.

Results: Interleukin-6 resulted in a dose-and time-dependent increase in mRNA and protein levels of both E-Selectin and protein.

Conclusions: These results suggest that Interleukin-6 may, at least in part, be responsible for the increase in E-Selectin and VCAM-1 that occur in this disorder.

Key Words:

• E-Selectin
• Endothelial cells
• Interleukin-6
• Preeclampsia
• VCAM