Interactive Effects Between Cytokines on PGE Production by Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts in vitro

Mononuclear cell production of cytokines that stimulate fibroblast production of prostaglandin E (PGE) is an important mechanism by which mononuclear cells regulate fibroblast function. The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of the cytokines interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin la (IL-1α), tumor necrosis factor a (TNF-a), and interferon γ (IFN--y), alone or in paired combinations, on PGE production by near-confluent human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts in vitro. Premolars extracted in the course of orthodontic treatment were used for this study. Fibroblast cultures, free of epithelial cells, were obtained after the fourth subculture by the use of accurately-timed trypsin treatment. Cells in the fourth to sixth passage, incubated in DMEM supplemented with 10% equine serum, were used for these experiments. Cells (1 x 105) were seeded in 12- x -75-mm tissue culture tubes and incubated with various doses of IL-1β, IL-la, TNF-a, and IFN-γ, alone or in specific combinations, for...