The Effect of Interleukin-1β and Interleukin-4 on the Expression of Prostaglandin Receptors EP1 and EP3 in Amnion WISH Cells

Abstract

Although prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is believed to modulate biochemical and immunological events leading to parturition, the role of prostaglandin E receptors during labor has not been investigated. Amnion WISH cells were incubated in media containing increasing concentrations of either interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) or IL-4. Increased EP1 and EP3 protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis with peptide-specific antibodies. Concomitant measurements of culture media PGE2 were made by an enzyme immunoassay. 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 PGE2 concentrations. IL-1 beta or IL-4 had no effect on EP3 protein levels. Based on these results, it is proposed that IL-1 beta and IL-4 may be involved in the initiation and promotion of labor by inducing EP1 levels and PGE2 production in amnion.