Selective induction of PDGF gene expression in peritoneal macrophages by interleukin-2.

We have previously reported that culture of human peripheral blood leukocytes with interleukin-2 (IL-2) triggers the secretion of mediators which induce fibroblast proliferation and collagen synthesis. In addition, fibrogenic cytokines (transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF beta 1) and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) A and B chain) are present in the peritoneal fluid of patients undergoing intraperitoneal immunotherapy (IL-2-activated killer cells and IL-2) who go on to develop peritoneal adhesions. To determine the role of IL-2 in the formation of these adhesions, we chose to investigate whether IL-2 can induce the expression of fibrogenic cytokine genes in resident rat peritoneal macrophages. Cells were cultured with or without IL-2 or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and expression of PDGF A chain, PDGF B chain, and TGF beta 1 mRNAs was determined. PDGF A and B chain mRNAs are minimally expressed in macrophages prior to stimulation and are induced within 2 hours of treatment with IL-2. In contrast, TGF beta 1 mRNA is constitutively expressed and can not be upregulated. The studies suggest that peritoneal macrophage-derived PDGF plays a critical role in the production of adhesions in patients receiving intra-abdominal immunotherapy.