CYTOKINE REPERTOIRE OF EPITHELIAL CELLS LINING THE HUMAN URINARY TRACT

Abstract

Purpose To examine the cytokine profile of epithelial cells lining the human urinary tract with the aim of differentiating between the constitutive and disease-related cytokine production in these tissues. Materials and Methods Sections from the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder or urethra were obtained from 22 patients undergoing urinary tract surgery and were stained with monoclonal antibodies to interleukin(IL)-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, interferon gamma (IFN gamma) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta). Sections were classified according to the presence or absence of disease in the tissue. Results Epithelial cells lining the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder or urethra all stained for IL-8 and TGF beta (100%) in disease-free tissues and sections with cancer or interstitial cystitis (IC). In contrast, staining for IL-1 beta, IL-4, IL-6 and IFN gamma varied with the disease state of the patient. Epithelial IL-1 beta staining was absent (0%) in sections from healthy bladder, but positive in tissues with IC or cancer-associated pathology (50 to 100%). IL-6 staining was detected in the epithelial layer of several patients with IC or cancer related pathology, but only in cells with non-epithelial morphology and not in disease-free tissues. IFN gamma and IL-4 staining were only observed in patients with IC and only in cells with non-epithelial morphology. Conclusions The results show that epithelial cells from all parts of the urinary tract constitutively produce IL-8 and TGF beta and suggest that the production of other cytokines varies with the disease of the patient. Constitutive cytokine production provides the basis for a rapid host response, in the defense against mucosal attack by microbes or toxic agents.