Prostanoid stimulation of cytokine production in an amnion-derived cell line: Evidence of a feed-forward mechanism with implications for term and preterm labor

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that amnion cytokine production might be regulated by prostanoids.METHODS: Amnion-derived WISH cells were treated with a range of prostanoids and their effects on production of interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Northern analysis. The effects of thromboxane inhibitors on cytokine production by term primary amnion explants also were examined.RESULTS: Prostaglandin (PG)A(2), PGD(2), PGF(2 alpha), PGE(2), PGJ(2), and the PGI(2) analogue carbaprostacyclin (1-1000 nmol/L) exhibited no significant effects on cytokine production. However, the thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) agonists U46619 and carbocyclic (c)TXA(2) both stimulated WISH cytokine production with similar potencies under basal or cytokine-stimulated conditions. Significant stimulation of IL-6 production was observed at concentrations greater than or equal to 8 nmol/L (P <.05 by analysis of variance), whereas IL-8 production was stimulated significantly but to a lesser extent. The effects of U46619 and cTXA(2) were rapid; maximal stimulation of cytokine production occurred within 4 to 8 hours of treatment. U46619 augmented IL-1 beta-stimulated IL-6 and IL-8 mRNA expression within 2 hours of treatment. In amnion explants inhibitors of TX synthesis and action abrogated the stimulatory effects of IL-1 beta on cytokine production.CONCLUSION: These results are consistent with the presence of a feed-forward loop in amnion involving TXA(2) and cytokines, which could play a significant role in the progression of the inflammatory response involved int the mechanism of infection-driven preterm labor. Copyright (C) 2000 by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation.