[Expression of IL6 and TNF-alpha in normal and pathological kidney].
The IL6 and TNF alpha specific mRNAs are expressed in normal human kidney; IL6 protein can be detected in normal glomerular mesangium by immunochemistry while TNF alpha is not present. Increased expression of IL6 mRNA is found within the glomeruli in mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis and IL6 protein is detectable in proliferating mesangial areas. TNF alpha is mainly detected in infiltrating macrophages. During acute rejection episodes de novo expression of TNF alpha appears in renal transplant tubular epithelial cells as well as that of HLA class II antigens, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 molecules. In renal cell carcinomas, the tumoral cells produce in vivo and in vitro IL6 and TNF alpha at the mRNA and protein levels. Therefore parenchymatous renal cells can produce IL6 and TNF alpha in various pathological conditions. However the mechanisms which regulate the production of these cytokines as well as their role in the genesis or the amplification of tissular damage remain to be elucidated.