Abstract
Nasal epithelial cells are among the first cells to come into contact with inhaled antigens. We inves-tigated the ability of nasal epithelial cells for the mucosal immune response through the release of cytokines, IL (interleukin) -1 α, IL-1 β, and IL-8. IL -1 acts on several types of cells and promotes the release of other cytokines.
IL-8 is a potent neutrophil chemotactic and activating factor, and pro-inflammatory effect of IL-8 seems to be concerned with local immunity. Both IL -1 and IL-8 are seems to be produced by epithelial cells, with its secretion regulated by TNF-α, LPS, and some viruses. We obtained the fifteen specimens of nasal mucosa from nose operation. The speci-mens were treated overnight by protease, and single cell suspensions were obtained by gentle agitation using a small curette. After washing, nasal epithelial cells were re-suspended in medium, and cultured until confluence was reached. The cultured medium was changed for medium with or without LPS or several concentrations of OK-432, and supernatants were harvested after 24 hours for cytokine analysis. We confirmed the promoting effect of LPS on IL-1 α, IL-1 β, and IL-8 by ELISA (enzyme linked immunosolubent assay), but OK 432 reduced IL-8 secretion by nasal epithelial cells. The nasal epithelial cells may also actively participate in local immune mechanisms by producing and secreting several cyto-kines such as IL-1 and IL-8.
