The biological activities of interleukin-1

Red blood cell ghosts as promising drug carriers to target wound infections

Autologous red blood cell ghosts (RBC ghosts) can carry cytokines to the sites of inflammation. The targeting moiety of the RBC ghosts is associated with the nature of purulent inflammation, where the erythrocytes are phagocyted and encapsulated drugs are released. In the present study we have investigated the healing potential of RBC ghosts loaded with cytokine IL-1β and antibiotic. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic properties of RBC ghosts loaded with IL-1β were studied. 35 Male Wistar rats (250-300g) were used in the pharmacokinetic study and in a wound infection model where a suspension of Staphylococcus aureus was placed into a surgical cut of the skin and subcutaneous tissue in the femoral region. In order to monitor progression of the wound repair processes, wound swabs or aspiration biopsies were taken for analyses on the 1st-6th days. Wound repair dynamics assessment was based on suppression of S. aureus growth, signs of pain, time of disappearance of pus and infiltration around the wound. Visual observations, as well as microbiological and cytological analysis of wound exudates demonstrated a significant acceleration of healing processes in a group of animals treated with a local injection of IL-1β and ceftriaxone encapsulated into RBC ghosts when compared to the animals treated either with a local or IM injection of free drugs. For the pharmacokinetic study, single IV injections of either free or encapsulated IL-1β were made and the concentration of IL-1β in serum samples and tissue homogenates were determined. Encapsulation in RBC ghosts improved pharmacokinetic profiles of IL-1β by increasing the half-life, reducing its clearance, and increasing the deposition of the drug in the liver, spleen and lungs. These data suggest that RBC ghosts are effective drug carriers for targeted delivery of cytokines to the sites of inflammation, and have a potential for improving the treatment outcomes of purulent diseases.

Analysis of sequential cytokine release after ACL reconstruction

PURPOSE

Rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is common and may necessitate surgical reconstruction. Surgical reconstruction aims to restore normal kinematics and biology within the knee. The acute phase response after surgical reconstruction remains poorly defined but may influence graft integration through modulation of host tissue remodelling.

METHODS

The very early host production of key cytokines after surgery was studied. A consecutive series of 14 patients undergoing reconstructive surgery were studied per-operatively, 1 and 6 h after surgery, examining the hypothesis that the acute phase response would be non-specific but consistent between individuals, demonstrating increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

A consistent increased release of monocyte-driven, non-specific, IL-1 and IL-6 release but not T cell-derived IL-2 was found. Perhaps, more interestingly, very early high concentrations of secondary growth factors PDGF and TGF-β suggestive of an anabolic response were found.

CONCLUSION

These data support the contention that an anabolic response starts earlier than previously thought within the surgically reconstructed knee.

Cytokine Profiles in Crevicular Fluid During Orthodontic Tooth Movement of Short and Long Durations

BACKGROUND

Orthodontic treatment induces a distortion of the extracellular matrix of the periodontium, resulting in alterations in cytoskeletal configuration. Cytokines are known to facilitate this process by inducing cellular proliferation, differentiation, and stimulation of periodontal remodeling. The aim of the present study was to measure a panel of proinflammatory cytokines (PICs) in crevicular fluid (GCF) samples during tooth movement of short and long durations.

METHODS

Twelve patients (11 to 27 years of age) participated in this study: six patients each for tooth movement of short and long duration. GCF sampling was done at different times, ranging from 24 hours to 4 months after force application. The profiles of PICs were analyzed with a multiplex technique.

RESULTS

PICs were elevated significantly in the early stage of tooth movement but at different time points. Interleukin (IL)-1beta and -6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) reached significant levels at 24 hours; IL-8 reached a significant elevation at 1 month. During the linear stage of tooth movement, all cytokines were diminished to their baseline levels. The results demonstrated that IL-1beta, -6, and -8 and TNF-alpha play a significant role during the early stage of tooth movement but not during the linear stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Once the microenvironment of periodontal tissue is activated by an orthodontic force, several key PICs are produced to trigger a cascade of cellular events. The periodontal system stabilizes at a new physiological homeostasis as indicated by the downregulation of the early-phase PICs.

Interleukin-1beta upregulates functional expression of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) via NF-kappaB in astrocytes

Cytokines and neuropeptides are modulators of neuroimmunoregulation in the central nervous system (CNS). The interaction of these modulators may have important implications in CNS diseases. We investigated whether interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) modulates the expression of neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R), the primary receptor for substance P (SP), a potent neuropeptide in the CNS. IL-1beta upregulated NK-1R expression in human astroglioma cells (U87 MG) and primary rat astrocytes at both mRNA and protein levels. IL-1beta treatment of U87 MG cells and primary rat astrocytes led to an increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) in response to SP stimulation, indicating that IL-1beta-induced NK-1R is functional. CP-96,345, a specific non-peptide NK-1R antagonist, inhibited SP-induced rise of [Ca(2+)](i) in the astroglioma cells. Investigation of the mechanism responsible for IL-1beta action revealed that IL-1beta has the ability of activating nuclear factor-kappab (NF-kappaB). Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), a specific inhibitor of NF-kappaB activation, not only abrogated IL-1beta-induced NF-kappaB promoter activation, but also blocked IL-1beta-mediated induction of NK-1R gene expression. These findings provide additional evidence that there is a biological interaction between IL-1beta and the neuropeptide SP in the CNS, which may have important implications in the inflammatory diseases in the CNS.

In vitro mechanical compression induces apoptosis and regulates cytokines release in hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars resulting from severe burns are usually treated by continuous elastic compression. Although pressure therapy reaches success rates of 60-85% its mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. In this study, apoptosis induction and release of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were evaluated in normal (n = 3) and hypertrophic (=7) scars from burns after in vitro mechanical compression. In the absence of compression (basal condition) apoptotic cells, scored using terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase assay, were present after 24 hours in the derma of both normal scar (23 +/- 0.4% of total cell) and hypertrophic scar (11.3 +/- 1.4%). Mechanical compression (constant pressure of 35 mmHg for 24 hours) increased apoptotic cell percentage both in normal scar (29.5 +/- 0.4%) and hypertrophic scar (29 +/- 1.7%). IL-1beta released in the medium was undetectable in normal scar under basal conditions while in hypertrophic scar the IL-1beta concentration was 3.48 +/- 0.2 ng/g. Compression in hypertrophic scar-induced secretion of IL-1beta twofold higher compared to basal condition. (7.72 +/- 0.2 ng/g). TNF-alpha basal concentration measured in normal scar medium was 8.52 +/- 4.01 ng/g and compression did not altered TNF-alpha release (12.86 +/- 7.84 ng/g). TNF-alpha basal release was significantly higher in hypertrophic scar (14.74 +/- 1.42 ng/g) compared to normal scar samples and TNF-alpha secretion was diminished (3.52 +/- 0.97 ng/g) after compression. In conclusion, in our in vitro model, mechanical compression resembling the clinical use of elastocompression was able to strongly increase apoptosis in the hypertrophic scar derma as observed during granulation tissue regression in normal wound healing. Moreover, the observed modulation of IL-1beta and TNF-alpha release by mechanical loading could play a key role in hypertrophy regression induced by elastocompression.

Interleukin-1beta stimulates macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha and -1beta expression in human neuronal cells (NT2-N)

Chemokines are important mediators in immune responses and inflammatory processes of neuroimmunologic and infectious diseases. Although chemokines are expressed predominantly by cells of the immune system, neurons also express chemokines and chemokine receptors. We report herein that human neuronal cells (NT2-N) produce macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha and -1beta (MIP-1alpha and MIP-1beta), which could be enhanced by interleukin (IL)-1beta at both mRNA and protein levels. The addition of supernatants from human peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) cultures induced MIP-1beta mRNA expression in NT2-N cells. Anti-IL-1beta antibody removed most, but not all, of the MDM culture supernatant-induced MIP-1beta mRNA expression in NT2-N cells, suggesting that IL-1beta in the MDM culture supernatants is a major factor in the induction of MIP-1beta expression. Investigation of the mechanism(s) responsible for IL-1beta-induced MIP-1alpha and -1beta expression demonstrated that IL-1beta activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) promoter-directed luciferase activity in NT2-N cells. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester, a potent and specific inhibitor of activation of NF-kappaB, not only blocked IL-1beta-induced activation of the NF-kappaB promoter but also decreased IL-1beta-induced MIP-1alpha and -1beta expression in NT2-N cells. These data suggest that NF-kappaB is at least partially involved in the IL-1beta-mediated action on MIP-1alpha and -1beta in NT2-N cells. IL-1beta-mediated up-regulation of beta-chemokine expression may have important implications in the immunopathogenesis of inflammatory diseases in the CNS.

The influence of T cell receptor and cytokine genes on sarcoidosis susceptibility in African Americans

The pathogenesis of sarcoidosis, a multisystem granulomatous disorder, is mediated through immunoregulatory pathways. While sarcoidosis clusters in families, inherited risk factors remain undefined. In search of possible sarcoidosis susceptibility genes, we examined anonymous polymorphic genetic markers tightly linked to six different candidate gene regions on chromosomes 2q13, 5q31, 6p23-25, 7p14-15, 14q11 and 22q11. These candidate regions contain T cell receptor, interleukin (IL) and interferon regulatory factor (IRF) genes. Our study population consisted of 105 African-American sarcoidosis cases and 95 unrelated healthy controls. The allelic frequency distribution of two out of the six markers, IL-1 alpha marker (p = 0.010) on 2q13 and the F13A marker (p = 0.0006) on 6p23-25, was statistically significantly different in cases compared with controls. The two alleles most strongly associated with sarcoidosis were IL-1 alpha*137 (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.60; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.36-4.98) and F13A*188 (OR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.37-4.30). Individuals that had both of these alleles were at a six-fold increased risk for sarcoidosis (OR = 6.19; 95% CI = 2.54-15.10). Restricting the analysis to cases with at least one first or second-degree relative affected with sarcoidosis increased the OR to 15.38. IL-1 levels are elevated in sarcoidosis and the F13A marker is tightly linked to a gene that codes for a newly identified interferon regulatory factor protein (IRF-4), which is thought to play a role in T cell effector functions. Our results suggest genetic susceptibility to sarcoidosis may be conferred by more than one immune-related gene that act synergistically on disease risk.

Infection-induced anorexia: active host defence strategy

In association with fever production, decreased food consumption is the most common sign of infection. This effect is often regarded as an undesirable manifestation of sickness. However, evidence suggests that just as many behaviours have now been shown to modify immunocompetence, infection-induced anorexia is a behaviour systematically organised for pathogen elimination. That is, anorexia is an active defence mechanism that is beneficial for host defence. This review details the mechanism of infection-induced anorexia, placing it within the framework of the intricately organised acute phase response--the host response to infection. Furthermore, the evolutionary, behavioural, metabolic and immunological consequences of infection-induced anorexia are outlined, each providing evidence for the beneficial nature of this response. The evidence suggests that food restriction is one of the important behavioural strategies that organisms have evolved for the fight against pathogenic invasion. Nevertheless, such benefits require fine homeostatic control, as chronic undernutrition has deleterious consequences for host defence.

Interleukin-1 and its inhibitors: implications for disease biology and therapy

IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta are polypeptide hormones that exhibit a broad spectrum of beneficial and harmful biologic activities. Clinical trials designed to benefit from its stimulatory effects on human hematopoiesis and from its role in improving host defenses, are being currently conducted. Other in vivo studies, using IL-1 inhibitors with an attempts to block the detrimental effects of IL-1, are underway. Because of the multifunctional effects of IL-1 in human physiology and its pathogenetic role in several diseases, the capability to control the effects of IL-1 may prove to be a useful tool in medical practice.

Clinical significance of the change of blood monocytic interleukin-1 production in vitro in severely burned patients

Biological methods were employed to measure the dynamic changes in the in vitro IL-1 production by blood monocytes in 24 severely burned patients. The serum myocardial and hepatic enzymes (C-reactive protein) (CRP), plasma lactic acid (LA), etc. were simultaneously measured. The results showed an obvious decrease in blood monocyte IL-1 production in vitro and increases in CRP, LA and serum enzymes. These changes were more evident in patients complicated with organ injury, multiorgan failure and systemic infection. It is suggested that blood monocytes are superstimulated postburn in vivo and produced large amounts of IL-1 leading to exhaustion of monocyte function. These changes might promote the development of severe systemic infection and internal organ injury even multiple organ failure.

Interleukin 1 (IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta) induces differentiation/activation of B cell chronic lymphoid leukemia cells

The effect of interleukin 1 (IL-1) was studied on leukemic cells from 12 patients with B cell chronic lymphoid leukemias including two cases of hairy cell leukemia (HCL), two cases of HCL-variant (HCL-V), one case of prolymphocytic leukemia (PLL), and seven cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). In most cases, IL-1 induced differentiation characterized by increments of sIg gamma+, sIg mu+ and PCA-1+ cells, and a decrement of CD5+ cells, and activation characterized by increments of CD23+ and HC2+ cells, but induced the proliferation of leukemic cells only in two HCL-V cases. Among these effects, increment of sIg+ cells was observed more frequently in non-CLL (4/5 cases) than in CLL (2/7 cases), and increments of sIg gamma+, CD23+ and PCA-1+ cells were induced more frequently by IL-1 beta than by IL-1 alpha. These results suggest that IL-1, especially IL-1 beta, plays a significant role in the differentiation and activation of leukemic cells, but has only a minor role as an extrinsic/leukemic cells in B cell chronic lymphoid leukemias, particularly those with more mature cells such as PLL and HCL.

Modulation of lipopolysaccharide-induced production of cytokines by methionine-enkephalin

In the present study, we have examined the effect of opioid peptide methionine enkephalin (MENK) on production of factors with interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) activity by mouse peritoneal macrophages and assessed whether modification in the production of those cytokines could be related to alteration of phagocytosis by MENK. None of the MENK concentrations examined altered IL-1 or TNF activity alone. However, peritoneal macrophages co-stimulated with 1 microgram of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and 10(-10) M MENK potentiated IL-1 activity, compared to LPS alone, but abrogated TNF activity induced by LPS. While MENK alone slightly decreased phagocytosis of sheep red blood cells (SRBC) by mouse peritoneal macrophages, cells simultaneously incubated with 1 microgram of LPS and 10(-10) M MENK had increased phagocytosis compared to LPS alone. Moreover, phagocytosis of SRBC by cells incubated overnight with the supernatant of the respective cell culture was significantly augmented. These results provide additional evidence for the immunoregulatory role of neuropeptides and suggest that the modulatory action of MENK could be mediated, at least in part, through the up-regulation of cytokines, most probably IL-1 and TNF.

Biological response modifiers and infectious diseases: actual and potential therapeutic agents

Biological response modifiers (BRMs) are agents which can modify the immune response to cancer or invasion of the organism by infectious agents. An explosive appearance of new BRMs has resulted from the development of recombinant gene technology and the availability of monoclonal antibodies. Colony-stimulating factors first became available for the prevention of neutropenia but may also have a role in the treatment of infections. Interleukin-1 is being tested as a modular of hematopoiesis and may be useful as a helper factor for T- and B-cell function. Immunoglobulins are being used against viral and bacterial infections while interferons can prevent viral upper respiratory infections and suppress or irradicate some viral hepatitides. Other BRMs which show promise include chemical agents and traditional herbal medicines.

Role of interleukin-1 inhibitory molecules in therapy of acute and chronic myelogenous leukemia

The poor outcome of conventional therapy of acute and chronic myelogenous leukemias (AML and CML) has prompted several groups to investigate new therapeutic directions. Data from various laboratories, including our own, indicate that both normal and leukemia precursors proliferate in response to growth factors. Furthermore, it has been shown that AML blasts, low-density cells from CML patients with advanced disease, and cultured bone marrow-adherent layers from CML blast crisis patients produce interleukin 1 (IL-1); this molecule may play a pivotal role in driving leukemia cell proliferation through autocrine or paracrine pathways. We have therefore hypothesized that interruption of the IL-1-mediated growth-stimulatory mechanism may suppress leukemia precursor multiplication. In searching for IL-1-inhibitory molecules that may be used clinically, we have investigated the in vitro effects of various IL-1 inhibitors including IL-1 receptor antagonist, soluble IL-1 receptors, and interleukin 4. Our studies suggest that IL-1 inhibitors can suppress clonogenic growth of cultured AML and CML progenitors and may hence be exploitable in clinical trials.

Regulation of acute phase response after cardiopulmonary bypass by immunomodulation

The object of this prospective, randomized trial was to study the dysregulation effects of cardiopulmonary bypass on the synthesis pattern of interleukin-1, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin-6, which have been identified as the key mediators of acute phase response. In addition, the counterregulation achieved by administration of indomethacin, which blocks the downregulating mediator prostaglandin E2, or indomethacin combined with thymopentin, which enhances T-lymphocytic reactivity, was investigated. Sixty patients who had undergone open heart operations were included in the study. These patients were divided into three groups: group A (n = 20) received both indomethacin and thymopentin, and group C (n = 20) served as control. In control patients interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor synthesis were suppressed postoperatively. This effect was significantly counteracted by indomethacin with no further improvement by adding thymopentin. Interleukin-6 synthesis increased in all groups. Although indomethacin treatment alone had little effect on this phenomenon, additional administration of thymopentin significantly reduced elevated interleukin-6 synthesis. Corresponding differences in clinical outcome could not be detected due to small patient numbers. This study was, however, able to demonstrate that an immunomodulatory therapy can influence alterations in immune mechanisms after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein prevents sensitization and intestinal anaphylaxis in guinea pigs

Recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (rlRAP, 0.5 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally in guinea pigs one hour before primary and booster parenteral sensitization (1 ml) by cow milk, led to a reduced immunoglobulin E (IgE) production, as displayed by a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test. rlRAP administered intraperitoneally in sensitized guinea pigs at 0.5 mg/kg 10 min before challenge administration (beta-lactoglobulin, 100 mg per os), also prevents the colonic motor and secretory changes induced by intestinal anaphylaxis. These results suggest the involvement of interleukin-1 in food allergy and evidence a double protective role for rlRAP in food hypersensitivity.

Interleukin-1 activity in lesioned peripheral nerve

The cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1) is involved in a wide range of inflammatory and immune responses. As such, IL-1 could play a role in peripheral nerve repair mechanisms. Specifically, by its already established properties as a regulator of nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, and as a chemotactant to macrophages. We examined, therefore, IL-1 production in injured mouse peripheral nerve. Injured nerve segments were incubated in serum free medium to produce conditioned medium (CM) that was then tested for IL-1 activity in a thymocyte proliferation assay. CM induced thymocyte proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Proliferation was inhibited by the M20 IL-1 inhibitor, the IL-1 receptor antagonist, and antisera raised against recombinant mouse IL-1 alpha. Inhibitions produced by these three specific inhibitors of IL-1-induced thymocyte proliferation strongly suggest that proliferation induced by CM was mediated largely by IL-1 secreted by non-neuronal cells residing in the damaged nerve. IL-1 activity was detected within hours after lesion, and 1 week thereafter. The rapid and prolonged production of IL-1 indicates that IL-1-dependent mechanisms can play roles in the response of the peripheral nerve to injury: degeneration and regeneration. The regulation of NGF synthesis, and the recruitment of white blood cells, macrophages in particular, from blood into the damaged nerve tissue, are two such mechanisms.

Anemia of chronic disease

ACD is probably the most common anemia among hospitalized medical patients. It is variably defined by its clinical and, particularly, its laboratory manifestations. The most consistent features are low serum iron and normal or increased serum ferritin levels, reflecting normal or increased iron stores and distinguishing ACD from iron deficiency anemia. ACD often coexists with iron deficiency and the anemia of renal insufficiency. Most patients have an underlying infectious, inflammatory, or neoplastic disease, but as many as one quarter of patients do not. Several mechanisms have been proposed, the most significant of which are a block in reutilization of hemoglobin iron for red cell production and relative deficiency of erythropoietin, but the pathogenesis and mediators involved remain uncertain. The anemia itself seldom requires treatment and is ameliorated by successful treatment of the underlying disease.

Modulation of plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor expression in the human U373 glioblastoma/astrocytoma cell line by inflammatory mediators

The human U373 glioblastoma/astrocytoma cell line was found to constitutively produce and secrete a plasminogen activator and a plasminogen activator inhibitor. The plasminogen activator was identified as urokinase based on apparent molecular weight, immunoblotting with anti-urokinase antibodies, and Northern blotting with a human urokinase cDNA probe. The inhibitor secreted by U373 cells was found to be related to the PAI-1 molecule based on reactivity with anti-human PAI-1 antibodies, apparent molecular weight, and Northern blot analysis with a human PAI-1 cDNA probe. The expression of both urokinase and the PAI-1-like molecule by U373 cells could be modulated by phorbol myristate acetate or by inflammatory mediators such as interferon-gamma and interleukin-1. In the case of interleukin-1, the alpha form exhibited no detectable effect while the beta form not only elevated inhibitor levels, it also appeared to induce the production of tissue plasminogen activator. Thus, in these cells interleukin-1 beta induces alterations in PA and PAI expression and interleukin-1 alpha does not, even though the two forms are reported to utilize the same cellular receptor.

A deficient function of the antioxidative system of the organism as an aetiopathogenetic factor in psoriasis

The main idea of a new hypothesis about the aetiopathogenesis of psoriasis concerns the significance of interrelation between pro- and antioxidants, vitamin A-dependent keratin synthesis and proliferation of keratinocytes. On the basis of postulated deregulation in the antioxidative system of the organism, we explain the predisposition, the initiation and pathogenesis of lesions, their persistence and resolution and the operation mechanisms of antipsoriatics.

Human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha protection against the lethality of endotoxin and experimental sepsis in mice

Human recombinant interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1) has a diverse range of physiological activities which may be beneficial or deleterious to the host. Pretreatment with doses of IL-1 has been shown to protect mice against a subsequent lethal bacterial injection; however, the protective effects of a single intravenous (iv) dose of IL-1 have not been well characterized. The current experiments were performed to determine the best dose, timing, and duration of action of a single iv dose of IL-1 against a subsequent lethal challenge with intraperitoneal endotoxin (LPS) or experimental sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Female C57B1/6 mice treated with iv IL-1 24 hr prior to 30 mg/kg LPS ip had improved survival compared to saline-treated controls (P less than 0.01). IL-1 was also protective when given 6 to 72 hr, but not 2 or 96 hr, prior to LPS. IL-1 protection against LPS lethality was similar to protection seen with an iv dose of tumor necrosis factor (TNF). After CLP, survival was improved with IL-1 versus saline pretreatment (P = 0.02). Unlike previous work with TNF, no toxicity or lethality was observed at any dose of IL-1 administered. A single iv dose of IL-1 protects against the lethality of LPS and CLP in mice. IL-1 may be a useful treatment strategy in patients at risk for the development of life-threatening sepsis.

Cytokines in fluids from polycystic kidneys

We sought evidence of cytokine presence and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) bioactivity in 104 aerobic culture negative cyst fluids (CFs) from 13 kidneys of 13 patients with symptomatic normal to end-stage autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). ELISAs were used to detect IL-1 beta, interleukin-2 (IL-2), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and stromelysin. Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was detected by radioimmunoassay. IL-1 beta was present in 65 of 94 (less than 20 to 419 pg/ml, TNF alpha in 54 of 75 (less than 10 to 73 pg/ml), stromelysin in 18 of 23 (less than 1.0 to 56 ng/ml), IL-2 in 7 of 23 (0.1 to 1.3 ng/ml) and PGE2 in 9 of 10 fluids (0.03 to 0.49 ng/ml). Of 51 fluids with immunoreactive IL-1 beta, 36 were mitogenic for thymocytes. IL-1 beta concentrations correlated directly with those of IL-2; IL-1 beta presence was associated with higher stimulation indices, higher mean concentrations of TNF alpha, IL-2, stromelysin, and PGE2, and with positive endotoxin assays, suggesting activation of the cytokine cascade in vivo. Cytokine, stromelysin and PGE2 concentrations did not correlate with sodium or non-sodium solute concentrations, nor with CF blood, osmolality, or endotoxin activity, indicating that differences in concentrations among fluids could not be explained by differences in water content. These data identify cytokines as candidate contributors to the morbidity and pathogenesis of ADPKD.

Induction of hepatocyte mitosis in intact adult rat by interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-6

In the adult rat the liver is normally quiescent, but it proliferates rapidly in response to partial hepatectomy (PH). A hepatectomized rat is subjected to stress by the operation. We have examined the effects of acute phase cytokines. To investigate the mediation of hepatocyte growth, recombinant human interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were injected into male rats. Administration of IL-1 or IL-6 followed by NH4Cl and glucagon could induce hepatocyte mitosis 30 h after the first injection. This activity was lost when interleukins were exposed to 90 degrees C for 30 minutes. NH4Cl augmented the effects of IL-1 and IL-6. These results suggest that the IL-1 and IL-6 are important mediators of liver regeneration after PH. We present a hypothesis for the triggering mechanism of hepatocyte proliferation.

Interleukin-1 beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha synergistically stimulate nerve growth factor (NGF) release from cultured rat astrocytes

Nerve growth factor (NGF) may mediate responses to brain injury. To examine regulation of NGF gene expression with respect to neural trauma we examined the effects of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) on NGF production in cultures of rat astroglial cells. Purified neocortical astrocytes in serum-free medium were treated with IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha or both. Whereas IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha alone elicited only small effects, simultaneous addition elicited within 48 h a large (3- to 6-fold) increase in NGF content in culture supernatants. Our data are consistent with a role for cytokines in NGF synthesis and release in the injured central nervous system (CNS).