TNF and PGE₂ in human monocyte-derived macrophages infected with Chlamydia trachomatis

Abstract

In this study levels of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) alpha in medium from monocyte derived macrophages (MdM) infected with Chlamydia trachomatis (L₂/434/Bu or K biovars). TNF and PGE₂ were found in both cases while IL-1 alpha was not detected. Both TNF and PGE₂ levels were higher in the medium of the MdM infected with K biovars. TNF reached maximum levels 24 h postinfection, and then declined, while PGE₂ levels increased continuously during the infection time up to 96 h post-infection. Addition of dexamethasone inhibited production of TNF and PGE₂. Inhibition of PGE₂ production by indomethacin resulted in increased production of TNF, while addition of PGE₂ caused partial inhibition of TNF production from infected MdM.