Ovarian interleukin-1-induced gene expression: privileged genes threshold theory

Abstract 

Interleukin (IL)-1, an established mediator of inflammation, is also a mediator of ovulation (a cyclic inflammatory-like process). We have shown that IL-1β induces the in vitro expression of genes believed to play important role in ovulation (IL-1β itself, its receptors, IL-1β receptor antagonist, glucose transporters 1 and 3, secretory and cytosolic phospholipase A₂, prostaglandin endoperoxide synthase 1 and 2). These experiments suggest that the target genes are turned on over a relatively narrow IL-1β dose range. Moreover, IL-1 induces gene expression in what appears to be a hierarchical manner. We hypothesize that IL-1 induces a host of ovulation-associated genes, in a manner that is not only dose-dependent, but also obeys a certain hierarchical order, serving as ‘check gates’ in securing successful ovulation.

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• f1 Correspondence to: Shahar Kol MD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Medical Center, PO Box 9602, Haifa 31096, Israel. E-mail: skol@rambam.health.gov.il