Localization of interleukin-1 in human squamous carcinomas of the head and neck.

Abstract

Recent investigations revealed that interleukin-1 can promote bone resorption by activating osteoclasts. The authors' immunocytochemical studies with monoclonal antibody against human interleukin-1 localized interleukin-1 at the bone resorption site of the squamous carcinomas as well as within the squamous carcinomas. In addition, Western blotting and dot blotting methods were used to isolate interleukin-1 from the extracts of the squamous carcinomas in the head and neck. Finding interleukin-1, a potent bone resorption-stimulating factor, in squamous carcinomas suggests that interleukin-1 might play an important role in the extensive local bone destruction seen in the head and neck patients with squamous carcinomas.