IL-1 receptor type I expression in breast cancer.

The cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 is known to be involved in angiogenesis and metastasis. A prerequisite for IL-1 signalling is the presence of its receptor. Previously we have shown that glioblastoma cells express the IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI). In this study we analysed 11 breast tumour specimens for IL-1RI expression using the reverse transcriptase (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR). We found all the 11 breast tumours were positive for IL-1RI. This suggests that paracrine or autocrine produced IL-1 mediated signalling via IL-IRI might take place in breast tumours to control the production of pro-tumourigenic factors such as angiogenic factors and support further progression of tumour growth and metastasis.