May 2005
Volume 46, Issue 13
Free
ARVO Annual Meeting Abstract  |   May 2005
Mitogenic and Antiapoptotic Effects of Interleukin–4 or Interleukin–13 in Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts
Author Affiliations & Notes
  • Y. Fujitsu
    Biomolecular Recognition and Ophthalmology,
    Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube city, Japan
  • K. Fukuda
    Ocular Pathophysiology,
    Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube city, Japan
  • K. Kimura
    Biomolecular Recognition and Ophthalmology,
    Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube city, Japan
  • K. Seki
    Ocular Pathophysiology,
    Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube city, Japan
  • N. Kumagai
    Biomolecular Recognition and Ophthalmology,
    Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube city, Japan
  • T. Nishida
    Biomolecular Recognition and Ophthalmology,
    Yamaguchi University School of Medicine, Ube city, Japan
  • Footnotes
    Commercial Relationships  Y. Fujitsu, None; K. Fukuda, None; K. Kimura, None; K. Seki, None; N. Kumagai, None; T. Nishida, None.
  • Footnotes
    Support  None.
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science May 2005, Vol.46, 2680. doi:
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      Y. Fujitsu, K. Fukuda, K. Kimura, K. Seki, N. Kumagai, T. Nishida; Mitogenic and Antiapoptotic Effects of Interleukin–4 or Interleukin–13 in Human Conjunctival Fibroblasts . Invest. Ophthalmol. Vis. Sci. 2005;46(13):2680.

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      © ARVO (1962-2015); The Authors (2016-present)

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Abstract

Abstract: : Purpose: To examine the possible roles of T helper type 2 (Th2) cell–derived cytokines in formation of the giant papillae, fibroproliferative lesions, characteristic of individuals with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, we investigated the effects of these cytokines on the proliferation and apoptosis of cultured human conjunctival fibroblasts. Methods: Relative cell number was determined by measurement of mitochondrial metabolic activity. Apoptosis was induced by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside. Apoptotic cells were identified on the basis either of nuclear morphology after staining with 4',6–diamidino–2–phenylindole or of TUNEL staining. The activation of antiapoptotic signaling mediated by the protein kinase Akt was assessed by immunoblot analysis and by an in vitro kinase assay. Expression of interleukin (IL)–4 and IL–13 receptor subunits was examined by reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction analysis and by flow cytometry. Results: IL–4 and IL–13, but not IL–5, IL–9, or IL–10, induced a concentration–dependent increase in cell number. IL–4 and IL–13 also protected these cells from NO–induced apoptosis. Both IL–4 and IL–13 induced the phosphorylation of Akt and increased the kinase activity of this enzyme in a manner that was sensitive to the phosphatidylinositol 3–kinase inhibitors LY294002 or wortmannin. These inhibitors also blocked the antiapoptotic effects of IL–4 and IL–13. Transcripts encoding IL–4 and IL–13 receptor components were detected in conjunctival fibroblasts, and the proteins were expressed at the cell surface. Conclusions: Among the various Th2 cytokines tested , only IL–4 and IL–13 induced the proliferation of human conjunctival fibroblasts and protected these cells from apoptosis. These effects might contribute to the overgrowth of the conjunctival fibroblasts that is characteristic of the development of giant papillae in individuals with vernal keratoconjunctivitis.

Keywords: cell death/apoptosis • cytokines/chemokines • conjunctiva 
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