Effects of interleukin-1alpha on the production and release of basic fibroblast growth factor in cultured nifedipine-reactive gingival fibroblasts. 
The effect of interleukin-1alpha (IL-1alpha) on the production of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in human gingival fibroblasts originated from a nifedipine-reactive patient was investigated.  Ca(2+)-mobilizing agents, thapsigargin and bradykinin, were also tested to determine whether they affected the production and release of bFGF.  The release of bFGF from IL-1alpha-pretreated cells in relation to the transient increase in intracellular Ca(2+)([Ca(2+)]i) and extracellular Ca(2+)levels was also investigated.  IL-1alpha and thapsigargin yielded significantly higher bFGF production, and also enhanced bFGF mRNA expression.  IL-1alpha-pretreated cells showed significantly greater release of bFGF under the present experimental conditions.  Levels of released bFGF were significantly higher in cells pretreated with IL-1alpha, followed by bradykinin and thapsigargin in the presence of extracellular Ca(2+).  The transient mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) accelerated the release of bFGF in IL-1alpha-pretreated cells, but not in untreated cells.  Thus, IL-1alpha increases bFGF production in nifedipine-reactive gingival fibroblasts and also influences the release of bFGF in the IL-1alpha-pretreated cells.