Abstract

Fragments of keratocysts removed at operation were maintained in explant culture and the media were assayed for the biological activity of the potent osteolytic cytokines—interleukin (IL)-1, interleukin (IL)-6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Media were also assayed for their ability to stimulate bone resorption. All six cysts examined released IL-1 and IL-6 bioactivity but TNF bioactivity was unmeasurable. Dialysed cyst media stimulated bone resorption and this could be completely inhibited by a monospecific antibody which neutralized IL-1α and IL-1β. Immunohistochemical staining of cryostat sections of keratocysts revealed the presence of IL-1α and IL-6 in cyst epithelial cells but not in other cell types. Sections did not react with antibodies to IL-1β or TNF. It is therefore proposed that IL-1α is the major osteolytic cytokine produced by keratocysts and that IL-6 and IL-1 may contribute to keratocyst growth by promoting epithelial cell proliferation and bone resorption, respectively.

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