Relative Quantification of Interleukin-6 Gene Expression in Tissues of Mice Treated with Lipopolysaccharide Using Real Time PCR

Abstract

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is an endotoxin in the outer membrane of pathogenic gram-negative bacteria. LPS binds to the CD14/TLR2/MD2 cell surface receptor complex on macrophages which results in gene regulation and cytokine production. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) cytokine binds to B and T cell membrane receptor subunit IL-6Rα/gp130 receptors which activates B cell antibody production and T cell function and survival. Relative Quantification Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RQ RT-PCR) was used to quantify IL-6 gene expression and distribution in liver, lung and spleen mouse tissues of LPS-induced mice. IL-6 Gene expression was highest when mouse was exposed to 4 hours of LPS and had minimal to no IL-6 expression for control and 24 hour exposure. High IL-6 gene expression in liver because two-thirds of cells are B and T cells with MyD88 (Inflammatory autoimmune response of Hepatitis C). Low IL-6 gene expression in lungs because steady state is the suppression of immune responses via TGF-ß protein (Protection against autoimmune disease, Asthma; swelling in the lungs and block of gas exchange). High IL-6 gene expression in spleen because distinct component (white pulp) comprised of B and T cells (Increased immune response due to function in filtration).