RESUMEN
Purpose:To discuss the role of interleukin 6 (IL 6) and IL 6 receptor (IL 6R) in gliomas. Methods:We detected IL 6 and IL 6R gene in 30 human glioma tissue specimens and adult normal astrocytes. A complementary DNA copy of total RNA was synthesized and amplified with specific primers using the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT PCR) method. Results:IL 6 gene was positive of in 24 (80.0%) samples of gliomas, while IL 6R gene was positive of in 26 (86.7%) cases. Co expression of IL 6 and IL 6R was identified in 22 (73.3%) specimens of gliomas. On the other hand,the expression of IL 6 was weakly positive in adult normal astrocyte, but IL 6R was negative.Conclusions:Our results indicate that IL 6/IL 6R autocrine or paracrine loop may exist in glioma, which could enhance the glioma cell proliferation.