Abstract
Problem: To investigate the role of the inflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6) in the regulation of mucin secretion by middle ear epithelia.
Methods: Study design and setting: Primary chinchilla middle ear epithelial cultures were established and exposed to IL-6 in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Mucin secretion was characterized by exclusion chromatography and liquid scintillation.
Results: Epithelial cultures exposed to increasing doses of IL-6 demonstrated greater amounts of mucin secretion. Additionally, cultures exposed to IL-6 at 50 ng/mL showed increased secretion of mucin over control noticeable at 6-, 15-, and 24-hour time points (P < 0.01 for each).
Conclusion: IL-6 upregulates mucin secretion from cultured middle ear epithelial cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner.
Significance: Elucidating the effect of specific cytokines on the regulation of mucin secretion is vital to understanding the pathophysiology of otitis media and the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Support: NIH K08