[Inhibitory effect of interleukin-1 beta on follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) induced estrogen production by cultured rat granulosa cells].

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), one of the polypeptide lymphokines released in response to antigen, toxins, injury or inflammation by nearly all cell types, has multiple systemic effects. In the present study the effect of IL-1 beta on follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced estrogen production in primary culture was investigated. Granulosa cells obtained from immature estrogen-treated female rats were cultured for 3 days with increasing doses of FSH (1-30 ng/ml) with or without increasing doses of IL-1 beta (2-20 U/ml). The FSH stimulated estrogen production is dose-dependent, whereas IL-1 beta alone did not affect estrogen biosynthesis. In contrast, simultaneous treatment with IL-1 beta caused a dose-dependent inhibition of FSH action. This inhibitory effect of IL-1 beta was evident 48 h after the treatment. Furthermore, IL-1 beta inhibited forskolin (10(-5) mmol/L) and (Bu)2 cAMP (10(-2) mmol/L)-stimulated estrogen production, indicating a post-cyclic AMP site of action. The present study suggests that IL-1 beta is a potent modulator of granulosa cell steroidogenesis. Decreased estrogen formation may contribute to the follicle atresia and the impaired reproductive functions during injury and inflammation.