Aim: To detect the expression of IgG receptors (FcgammaR) on cytokine-stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).
Methods: By using ELISA, immunocytochemical staining, immunofluorescent staining and RT-PCR, the expression and subtypes of FcgammaR were detected.
Results: Non-stimulated HUVECs expressed very low level of FcgammaRIIa. FcgammaRIIa mRNA was dramatically up-regulated upon 24 hour stimulation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma(IFN-gamma). ELISA results indicated that the expression of FcgammaRIIa increased 16 folds after stimulation with TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma for 3 days (P<0.01). Immunofluorescent staining showed that FcgammaRIIa was expressed on the surface of the stimulated HUVECs.
Conclusion: TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma could increase FcgammaRIIa expression on HUVECs. The enhanced expression of FcgammaRIIa may mediate the deposition of immune complexes to blood vessels under vasculitic conditions.