Abstract

Nipapan Malisorn*, Noppawan P. Morales, Yupin Sanvarinda and Payong Wanikiat

Proper regulation of the immune response is essential for immune homeostasis. Several proinflammatory cytokines released from activated monocytes mediate inflammation, including interleukine-8 (IL -8) which recruits neutrophils to the site of inflammation. 17 -Estradiol (E2) has a direct role in the modulation of the innate immune function and mediates profound effects on immune function of the monocytes. The effects of 17 -E2 are mediated principally by two receptor subtypes, ER and ER ; both are expressed in monocytes. The aim of this study was, therefore, to characterize the estrogen receptor subtypes that mediate the estrogen effects on LPS-activated IL-8 production by human peripheral blood monocytes. 17 -E2 and PPT attenuated the production of IL- 8 by LPS-activated monocytes in a dose-dependent manner and these effects can be reversed by ICI182, 780. These results suggested a role of ER on the attenuating effect of 17 -E2 on IL-8 production by human peripheral blood monocytes.