The effect of interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-4 on the expression of prostaglandin receptors EP1 and EP3 in amnion WISH cells

PROBLEM: Although prostaglandin E-2 (PGE(2)) is believed to modulate biochemical and immunological events leading to parturition, the role of prostaglandin E receptors during labor has not been investigated. METHOD OF STUDY: Amnion WISH cells were incubated in media containing increasing concentrations of either interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) or IL-4. Increased EPI and EP3 protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis with peptide-specific antibodies. Concomitant measurements of culture media PGE(2) were made by an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: Incubation of WISH cells with IL-1 beta or IL-4 caused a two-to three-fold increase in EP1 protein levels. IL-1 beta and IL-4 also caused six-and two-fold increases, respectively, in culture fluid PGE(2) concentrations. IL-1 beta or IL-4 had no effect on EP3 protein levels. CONCLUSIONS: Based on these results, it is proposed that IL-IP and IL-4 may be involved in the initiation and promotion of labor by inducing EP1 levels and PGE(2) production in amnion.