Localization of leukemia inhibitory factor and interleukin-6 messenger ribonucleic acids in regenerating rat skeletal muscle.

In the present study, we characterized both temporal and spatial expression patterns of leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs) in injured skeletal muscle using in situ hybridization. LIF and IL-6 mRNAs were expressed in mononucleated cells and damaged muscle cells. Further, signals for LIF mRNA were also detected in Schwann cell-like cells of intramuscular nerves. These results suggest that the earliest events involved in the repair of injured muscles and nerves may be triggered by these cytokines.