Myelin Basic Protein-Specific RNA Levels in Interleukin-2-Stimulated Oligodendrocytes

Abstract

In the immune system, T- and B-cell proliferation, as well as B-cell immunoglobulin secretion, is induced by interleukin-2 (IL-2), a T-cell derived lymphokine. IL-2 also influences the growth of glial cells, specifically, the proliferation and maturation of oligodendrocytes. Studies were conducted to investigate further IL-2-induced maturation of oligodendrocytes through its effect on the regulation of the myelin basic protein (MBP) gene. A cDNA probe specific for rat MBP and a double-antibody radiommunoassay for MBP were used to quantitate MBP mRNA and protein levels in oligodendrocytes under different exprimental conditions. We demonstrate that both MBP mRNA and protein levels are increased in IL-2-stimulated oligodendrocytes. MBP nRNA levels increase within 8 h after IL-2 stimulation, peak between 24 and 48 h, and then decline slightly. MBP protein level increase 24 h after stimulation and peak at 72 h. MBP mRNA transcripts in the range of 2.0-2.4 kilobases are present in cultured rat oligodendrocytes, which are similar to the MBP mRNA transcripts detected in whole rat and mouse brain. These mRNA transcripts are specifically increased in quantity after oligodendrocyte stimulation with IL-2. These results suggest that one component of oligodendrocyte differentiation/maturation.sbd.MBP mRNA and protein expression.sbd.can be regulated in part by IL-2.