Expression of lipocortins in human bronchial epithelial cells: Effects of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha, LPS and dexamethasone

In this study, we investigated the expression of lipocortin I and II (annexin I and II) in the human bronchial epithelium, both in vivo and in vitro. A clear expression of lipocortin I and II protein was found in the epithelium in sections of bronchial tissue, In cultured human bronchial epithelial cells we demonstrated the expression of lipocortin I and II mRNA and protein using Northern blotting, FACScan analysis and ELISA. No induction of lipocortin I or II mRNA or protein was observed after incubation with dexamethasone, Stimulation of bronchial epithelial cells with IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha or LPS for 24 h did not affect the lipocortin I or II mRNA or protein expression, although PGE(2) and 6-keto-PGF(1 alpha) production was significantly increased. This IL-1 beta- and LPS-mediated increase in eicosanoids could be reduced by dexamethasone, but was not accompanied by an increase in lipocortin I or II expression, In human bronchial epithelial cells this particular glucocorticoid action is not mediated through lipocortin I or II: induction.