ABSTRACT
Objective: This study was to observe the changes of IL-6 gene expression in acute repetitive hypoxia. Method: When the ratio of living cells was more than 95%, nerve cells cultured were passed through with mixed gases of 95% N_2+5%CO_2 for 3 min followed by another gases mixture of 95% O2+5% CO_2 for 10 min. After repeated the experiment as above, the alteration in the expression of IL-6 gene was measured using the RT-PCR method. The prod ucts of PCR were analyzed with computer Gel imaging and image analysis instrument. Result: After the first hypoxia IL-6 gene expression enhanced, and after the second hypoxia, it was still stronger than baseline although it declined slightly. There was no significant RNA disintegration. Conclusion:The IL-6 involves in the cellular defense in hypoxia adaptation.