Interleukin-13 stimulates the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and soluble fms-like tyrosine k-mase-1 by human oviductal epithelial cells

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of interleukin (IL)-13, a Th2 cytokine, on the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) in human oviductal cells in vitro. Study design: Human oviductal epithelial cells (OECs) were isolated from five premenopausal patients. The secretion of VEGF(165) and sFlt-1 by cultured OECs in response to IL-13 was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: The secretion of VEGF165 and sFlt-1 was detected in cultured OECs under untreated conditions. IL-13 enhanced the secretion of VEGF165 and sFlt-1 by OECs in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The present findings suggest that IL-13 is a regulatory factor of VEGF and sFlt-1 production in the human fallopian tubes. IL-13 in the local environment may stimulate oviductal vascular permeability by inducing the production of VEGF by oviductal cells. The modulation of VEGF secretion by IL- 13 secreted by the peri -implantation embryo may contribute to the normal and pathological processes of human reproduction during the peri -implantation period. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.