Abstract
Purpose::
IL-1ß, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, as well as IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, have been shown to be upregulated in patients with Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS). Previously, we have shown an increase in the gene expression of both IL-1ß and IL-10 in the lacrimal glands of NOD.B10.H2b mice, when ovariectomized, as compared with both their sham and a control strain, C57BL/10SnJ. These data supported our hypothesis that the reduction of the circulatory levels of sex hormones causes an over-expression of inflammatory mediators in genetically predisposed animals. We wanted to further support this hypothesis by measuring the protein levels of IL-1ß and IL-10 in the lacrimal glands of both NOD.B10.H2b and the control mice, C57BL/10 at both 3 and 7 days post-ovariectomy.
Methods::
Six wks old C57BL/10SnJ, control, and NOD.B10-H2b, mouse model of SS, were ovariectomized (OVX) or sham operated. After three days or one week, the lacrimal glands were removed, pooled, and homogenized. IL-1ß and IL-10 ELISAs were run with 30ug of protein, and each sample was run in triplicate.
Results::
NOD mice showed an increase in the protein levels of both IL-1ß and IL-10 in the lacrimal gland after one week OVX compared to sham operated animals. No changes in the protein levels of IL-1ß and IL-10 were observed between the sham and OVX in C57BL/10SnJ mice in either experimental time.
Conclusions::
These results further support our hypothesis that reduction of the circulatory levels of sex hormones causes an over-expression of inflammatory mediators in genetically predisposed animals. There is a correlation of both our gene expression and protein measurement results indicating that the over-expressed gene does in fact get translated into over-expressed protein. A lack of sex hormones seems to accelerate the development and persistence of SS pathology in genetically predisposed mice.
Keywords: cytokines/chemokines • lacrimal gland • autoimmune disease