Cytokines upregulate vascular endothelial growth factor secretion by human airway smooth muscle cells: Role of endogenous prostanoids.

Here, we report that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A secretion by human airway smooth muscle cells was increased by interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta) and transforming growth factor beta (TGFbeta). IL-1beta and TGFbeta induced cyclo-oxygenase (COX)-2 protein and increased prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Both IL-1beta and TGFbeta increased VEGF-A(165) mRNA and VEGF promoter luciferase construct activity, in addition VEGF-A protein was inhibited by actinomycin D suggesting transcriptional regulation. The COX inhibitors indomethacin and NS398 inhibited IL-1beta but not TGFbeta mediated VEGF-A production. Furthermore, the effect of the COX inhibitors was overcome by adding exogenous PGE(2). In conclusion, IL-1beta increases VEGF-A secretion by COX-2 derived PGE(2) production whereas TGFbeta uses COX-independent pathways.