Interleukin-13 stimulates the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 by human oviductal epithelial cells

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of interleukin (IL)-13, a Th2 cytokine, on the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in human oviductal cells in vitro. Study design Human oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) were isolated from five premenopausal patients. The secretion of VEGF 165 and sFlt-1 by cultured OECs in response to IL-13 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The secretion of VEGF 165 and sFlt-1 was detected in cultured OECs under untreated conditions. IL-13 enhanced the secretion of VEGF 165 and sFlt-1 by OECs in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion The present findings suggest that IL-13 is a regulatory factor of VEGF and sFlt-1 production in the human fallopian tubes. IL-13 in the local environment may stimulate oviductal vascular permeability by inducing the production of VEGF by oviductal cells. The modulation of VEGF secretion by IL-13 secreted by the peri-implantation embryo may contribute to the normal and pathological processes of human reproduction during the peri-implantation period.