Interleukin-13 stimulates the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 by human oviductal epithelial cells

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 2007 Aug;133(2):208-12. doi: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2006.12.017. Epub 2007 Feb 6.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of interleukin (IL)-13, a Th2 cytokine, on the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in human oviductal cells in vitro.

Study design: Human oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) were isolated from five premenopausal patients. The secretion of VEGF(165) and sFlt-1 by cultured OECs in response to IL-13 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: The secretion of VEGF(165) and sFlt-1 was detected in cultured OECs under untreated conditions. IL-13 enhanced the secretion of VEGF(165) and sFlt-1 by OECs in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion: The present findings suggest that IL-13 is a regulatory factor of VEGF and sFlt-1 production in the human fallopian tubes. IL-13 in the local environment may stimulate oviductal vascular permeability by inducing the production of VEGF by oviductal cells. The modulation of VEGF secretion by IL-13 secreted by the peri-implantation embryo may contribute to the normal and pathological processes of human reproduction during the peri-implantation period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Epithelial Cells / drug effects
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Fallopian Tubes / cytology
  • Fallopian Tubes / drug effects
  • Fallopian Tubes / metabolism*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-13 / pharmacology
  • Interleukin-13 / physiology*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A / metabolism*
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1 / metabolism*

Substances

  • Interleukin-13
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A
  • Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor-1