Thyrotropin and CD40L Stimulate Interleukin-12 Expression in Fibrocytes: Implications for Pathogenesis of Thyroid-Associated Ophthalmopathy

Background: Increased numbers of bone marrow–derived progenitor cells, known as fibrocytes, populate the peripheral circulation, orbit, and thyroid of patients with Graves' disease (GD). These cells have been implicated in the development of thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy. They can differentiate into myofibroblasts or adipocytes, produce inflammatory cytokines, and remodel tissue. This study sought to determine whether thyrotropin (TSH) and CD40 ligand (CD40L), implicated in the pathogenesis of GD, induce interleukin-12 (IL-12) in human fibrocytes. Materials and Methods: IL-12 protein concentrations and mRNA levels were measured by Luminex and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Flow cytometry assessed intracellular IL-12 concentrations. Vector containing IL-12p40 promoter was transfected into cultured fibrocytes, and promoter activity was monitored using luciferase assay. Results: TSH and CD40L stimulated intracellular IL-12 protein accumulation in peripheral blood fibrocytes. Inhibitin...