Interleukin‐6 is Required for Pristane‐Induced Plasma Cell Hyperplasia In Mice

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Abstract
Intraperitoneal injection of pristane induces production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and either plasmacytosis or plasmacytoma in mice, depending upon the genetic background. Pristane does not induce plasmacytoma in IL‐6 knockout (IL‐6−/−) mice, suggesting that IL‐6 is required for this process. In the present study we determined whether IL‐6 is also required for pristane‐induced hyperplasia of normal plasma cells. Pristane was injected intraperitoneally into IL‐6−/− and IL‐6 wild‐type (IL‐6+/+) mice. Overall there were more deaths in IL‐6+/+ mice (85%) than in IL‐6−/− mice (40%), P=0.024. Hyperplastic lymph node and spleen weight did not differ (P=0.82 and P=0.15, respectively) in IL‐6−/− versus IL‐6+/+ mice. Lymphocytosis with similar patterns of expression of B‐cell (B220) and T‐cell (Thy‐1) antigens was noted in both IL‐6−/− and IL‐6+/+ mice. However, morphological studies, dual fluorescent staining for Syn‐1 and B220 antigens (syn‐1+ B220+ cells), and intracytoplasmic Ig staining revealed plasma cell hyperplasia in lymph node and spleen from IL‐6+/+, but not IL‐6−/−, mice. These plasma cells from IL‐6+/+ mice were polyclonal and unable to induce tumour formation in severe combined immunodeficient mice. These data demonstrate that IL‐6 is required for pristane‐induced hyperplasia of polyclonal plasma cells in mice.

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