Time course of lipopolysaccharide- and capsaicin-induced cytokine release in an ex vivo mouse model of vaginal inflammation

Problem The neuroimmune interface has been characterised in few areas of the body. The objective of this study was to investigate the neuroimmune interface in the mouse vagina through a novel ex vivo model, to determine whether LPS could directly activate and produce TRPV1-mediated neuronal activation. Method of Study Concentrations of IL-1β and IL-6 release into the supernatant at different times post ex vivo stimulation with LPS, capsaicin, or a combination of the two were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results There were no differences in the supernatant concentration of IL-6 with different stimulation type nor stimulation time. Supernatant concentrations of IL-1β were greater at the 20 hour time point than the 4 hour time point, and were greater for stimulations involving LPS. Conclusion There is a clear pattern of pro-inflammatory neuroimmune responses following ex vivo stimulation of mouse vaginal tissues with capsaicin and LPS, evident as an increased IL-1β output. This output is greatest at 20 hours post-stimulation, indicating this neuroimmune response is time-dependent.