Macrophage migration inhibitory factor suppresses transforming growth factor-β2 secretion in cultured rat testicular peritubular cells

Cytokines have direct effects on testicular cell functions and a number of cytokines are produced constitutively within the testis, even in the absence of immune-activation events. There is clear evidence that cytokines play a dual role as important regulatory factors in the normal function of the testis, as well as in testicular inflammation. The pro-inflammatory cytokine macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is expressed locally in the testis and has direct effects on peritubular cells, which, in turn, produce anti-inflammatory mediators, including transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2. In the present study, we investigated the function of MIF by examining its effect on the secretion of TGF-β2 in peritubular cells. Expression of TGF-β2 mRNA was shown by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in peritubular cells isolated from 19-day-old rat testis. The addition of recombinant MIF to cultured peritubular cells resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in TGF-β2 secretion up to 52% of control levels after 48 h, which was significant for all doses investigated (10–100 ng mL−1 MIF). Inhibition of TGF-β2 secretion was sustained for 72 h for the highest dose of MIF used (100 ng mL−1). No effect of MIF was observed on TGF-β2 mRNA expression levels, as shown by real-time polymerase chain reaction. These results suggest that the pro-inflammatory cytokine MIF can shift the cytokine balance from the immunosuppressive state towards an inflammatory reaction, potentially through the inhibition of TGF-β2 secretion by peritubular cells.