Detection and modulation of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist messenger ribonucleic acid and immunoreactivity in Graves' orbital fibroblasts.

Abstract

Our results demonstrate differences in regulation of icIL-1RA and sIL-1RA and markedly lower levels of expression in cultured GO-OF compared to normal OF. Failure to generate, upon cytokine stimulation, sufficient quantities of icIL-1RA and sIL-1RA to balance agonist stimulation of the IL-1 receptor may facilitate IL-1-dependent proinflammatory and fibrogenic actions within the orbital tissue in GO.