Expression of IL--1beta and IL--1RI mRNA in the rat carotid body

Objective To study the expressions of IL-1 receptor type Ⅰ(IL-1RI) mRNA and IL-1β protein in the rat carotid body. Methods In situ hybridization,immunofluorescence double staining and Western blotting methods were used. Results The result of in situ hybridization showed that the positive signal of IL-1β mRNA was mainly located in the glomus cells of the carotid body.The result of immunofluorescence double staining showed that IL-1β protein also expressed in the glomus cells of the organ.The Western blotting proved that the IL-1β immunoreactive band appeared at 18kD,consistent with the molecular weight of the cytokine.Conclusion The glomus cells of the rat carotid body not only express IL-1RI mRNA,but also IL-1β.