Effects of estrogen and androgen on expression of IL-6 in lacrimal gland of ovariectomized rats

Objective To investigate the effects of estrogen and androgen on expression of interleukin-6(IL-6) in lacrimal gland of ovariectomized rats.Methods A total of 64 female Wistar rats with 3 months old were randomly divided into normal control group(8 rats),false operation group(8 rats) and experimental group(48 rats).Rats in experimental group were taken ovariectomy(OVX).Rats in experimental group were randomly divided into dry eye model group,excipient treatment group,systemic estradiol treatment group,estradiol eyedrop treatment group,systemic testosterone treatment group and testosterone eyedrop treatment group at 5 months after operation,8 rats in each group.Rats were sacrificed at 6 weeks after giving drug,and lacrimal glands were taken out to detect the concentration of IL-6.Levels of estradiol and testosterone in serum of rats in experimental group were detected before operation,at 5 months after operation and at 6 weeks after giving drug.Results Levels of estradiol and testosterone were both lowered at 5 months after OVX,and statistical difference was found between before and after operatrion(both P0.05).At 6 weeks after treatment,IL-6 level was (3 561.50±173.68)×109 g·L-1 in systemic testosterone treatment group lower than (4 075.63±305.81)×109 g·L-1 in dry eye model group(P0.05);At 6 weeks after treatment,IL-6 level was (4 591.98±116.57)×109 g·L-1 in systemic estradiol treatment group higher than that in dry eye model group.Statistical difference was found between before and after operation(P0.05).Conclusions Systemic application of androgen can decrease IL-6 level to lessen inflammation of lacrimal gland.Systemic application of estrogen can increase IL-6 level to aggravate inflammation of lacrimal gland.