Molecular identity, expression and functional analysis of interleukin-1alpha and its isoforms in rat testis
Document Type
Article
Department
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
Abstract
Interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine that has also been found to act as a paracrine mediator involved in the regulation of testicular functions. The present review provides an overview of the role of IL-1alpha in testicular physiology. Bioactive IL-1alpha isolated from adult rat testis was found to consist of three distinct immunoreactive protein species with apparent sizes of 45, 24 and 19 kDa. These isoforms showed bioactivity in a thymocyte proliferation and steroidogenesis assays with different biopotencies. The background of the molecular heterogeneity and processing, secretion and regulation of the isoforms of testicular IL-1alpha are discussed. All three isoforms have been found to be secreted into the testis tubular lumen and interstitial space. We have provided evidence that IL-1alpha is a paracrine factor that may be of importance in, e.g., the regulation of Leydig cell steroidogenesis. Pathophysiologically, testicular IL-1alpha may contribute to testicular relapse of acute lymphocytic leukemia in boys.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Asian Journal of Andrology
Recommended Citation
Sultana, T.,
Svechnikov, K. V.,
Gustafsson, K.,
Wahlgren, A.,
Tham, E.,
Weber, G.,
Soder, O.
(2004). Molecular identity, expression and functional analysis of interleukin-1alpha and its isoforms in rat testis. Asian Journal of Andrology, 6(2), 149-153.
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