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Biomedical subjects

C A Dinarello

Publications and source records attributed to C A Dinarello.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Coordinated antiinflammatory effects of interleukin 4: interleukin 4 suppresses interleukin 1 production but up-regulates gene expression and synthesis of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist.

Interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra), a naturally occurring polypeptide with amino acid sequence homology to interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta), prevents Escherichia coli-induced shock and death. Both IL-1 and IL-1ra are produced by monocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Because interleukin 4 (IL-4) suppresses IL-1 production, we investigated whether IL-4 modulated IL-1ra synthesis in LPS-stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. IL-1 beta and IL-1ra were measured by specific RIAs. IL-4 alone (0.01-100 ng/ml) did not stimulate IL-1 beta synthesis but rather induced IL-1ra (4.82 +/- 0.94 ng/ml). LPS induced synthesis of both IL-1 beta (6.67 +/- 1.06 ng/ml) and IL-1ra (10.77 +/- 2.79 ng/ml). IL-4 suppressed LPS-induced IL-1 beta mRNA accumulation and synthesis. However, IL-4 acted synergistically with LPS in inducing IL-1ra. IL-4 enhanced LPS-induced IL-1ra mRNA accumulation 4-fold and IL-1ra protein synthesis nearly 2-fold. Moreover, IL-1ra mRNA levels were maximal after 6 hr of exposure to LPS but peaked within the first 3 hr in the presence of IL-4. IL-4 added as late as 12 hr after LPS stimulation still enhanced IL-1ra synthesis. In human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated with IL-1 alpha, IL-4 markedly suppressed IL-1 beta production but enhanced IL-1ra synthesis greater than 2-fold. Because IL-4 favors synthesis of the natural antagonist IL-1ra over synthesis of the agonist IL-1, IL-4 may exert potent antiinflammatory effects on host responses to Gram-negative infections.

Gene Expression

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist circulates in experimental inflammation and in human disease.

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) is a 22-Kd protein that shares homology with IL-1 beta, binds to the IL-1 receptor, but has no known agonist properties. This inhibitor appears to be the first cytokine whose sole function is to block the actions of another cytokine. Exogenous IL-1ra administration has been shown to reduce mortality in experimental septic shock. We now report that IL-1ra is endogenously produced and circulates in experimental inflammation and in clinical disease. After experimental endotoxemia in human volunteers, IL-1ra concentrations increase from a baseline concentration of 460 +/- 200 pg mL-1 to 14,870 +/- 290 pg mL-1 at 3 hours (P less than .05). IL-1ra is also detectable in all plasma samples from critically ill patients with a mean concentration of 8,680 +/- 2,060 pg mL-1 (range 320 to 55,370 pgs mL-1). In nonhuman primates, Escherichia coli septic shock induces elevated plasma levels of IL-4ra (P less than .05). However, in animals that eventually succumb to septic shock, Il-1ra appears in quantities presumed inadequate to block the pathologic sequelae associated with high IL-1 beta levels. The findings suggest that IL-1ra may play a role in modulating the systemic host responses to a variety of nonlethal disease states by altering the balance between cytokines and their antagonists.

Adult

Effect of interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockade on cytokine synthesis: I. IL-1 receptor antagonist inhibits IL-1-induced cytokine synthesis and blocks the binding of IL-1 to its type II receptor on human monocytes.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) induces IL-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), and IL-6 gene expression and synthesis in a variety of cells. In this study, we investigated the ability of human recombinant IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) to inhibit IL-1-induced cytokine production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and isolated monocytes. IL-1ra alone at concentrations as high as 1 microgram/mL did not induce IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, or IL-6 synthesis. Suppression of IL-1-induced IL-1, TNF alpha, or IL-6 synthesis was dose-dependent (P less than or equal to .0001). At a twofold molar excess, IL-1ra inhibited IL-1-induced IL-1 or TNF alpha synthesis by 50% (P less than .01); an equimolar concentration of IL-1ra inhibited synthesis of these two cytokines by over 20% (P less than .05). A 10-fold molar excess of IL-1ra over IL-1 beta reduced IL-1 beta-induced IL-1 alpha by 95% (P = .01) and IL-1 alpha-induced IL-1 beta by 73% (P less than .01). IL-1ra added to PBMC 8 hours after stimulation with IL-1 beta was still able to inhibit IL-1 alpha, TNF alpha, and IL-6 synthesis (P less than or equal to .01). A similar reduction in IL-1 beta-induced IL-1 alpha was observed when IL-1 beta was removed from the cultures after 8 hours of stimulation (P less than .05), suggesting a prolonged presence of IL-1 or restimulation of IL-1 receptors on monocytes is required for the induction of cytokines. In elutriated monocytes, a 10-fold molar excess of IL-1ra reduced IL-1 beta-induced IL-1 alpha by 82% (P less than .05), TNF alpha by 64% (P = .05), and IL-6 by 47% (P less than .05). 125I-IL-1 beta was bound to purified monocytes, cross-linked, and immunoprecipitated. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a band at 85 Kd corresponding to the 68-Kd IL-1 receptor type II (IL-1RtII). Excess unlabeled IL-1 beta or IL-1ra blocked the binding of 125I-IL-1 beta to the IL-1RtII. We conclude that IL-1ra inhibits IL-1-induced cytokine synthesis and competes with IL-1 for the IL-1RtII on human monocytes.

Cytokines

Effect of interleukin-1 (IL-1) blockade on cytokine synthesis: II. IL-1 receptor antagonist inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine synthesis by human monocytes.

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulates interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) gene expression and synthesis in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). IL-1 can also induce PBMC to synthesize IL-1 and TNF alpha. In the present study, we used IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) to determine the relative contribution of an IL-1-positive feedback loop to the total amount of LPS-induced cytokine synthesis. Pretreatment of PBMC with human recombinant IL-1ra reduced LPS-induced cytokine synthesis in a dose-dependent manner (P less than .001). Maximal inhibition was 33% for IL-1 alpha (P less than .01), 43% for IL-1 beta (P = .001), and 20% for TNF alpha (P less than .05). We consistently observed IL-1ra suppression of LPS-induced cytokines in PBMC of 38 volunteers. However, this phenomenon was not specific for LPS; 1 microgram/mL IL-1ra inhibited IL-1 beta synthesized in response to human recombinant IL-2 by 44% (P less than .001), toxic shock syndrome toxin-1 by 26% (P less than .05), and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate by 76% (P less than .001). IL-1ra added to PBMC 4 or 8 hours after stimulation with LPS still inhibited IL-1 beta synthesis by 44% (P less than .001) or 25% (P = .01), respectively. The steady state messenger RNA levels of IL-1 beta were reduced in PBMC stimulated by LPS in the presence of IL-1ra. In monocytes isolated by elutriation, IL-1ra reduced LPS-induced IL-1 alpha by 16% (P less than .001), IL-1 beta by 14% (P less than .05), and TNF alpha by 24% (P = .01). We conclude that IL-1-induced IL-1 significantly contributes to LPS-induced cytokine synthesis.

Cells, Cultured

ELISA kits based on monoclonal antibodies do not measure total IL-1 beta synthesis.

The paper by Herzyk et al. which appears in this issue of the Journal of Immunological Methods is an important and long overdue contribution. The study clearly and convincingly demonstrates that two widely used commercial ELISA kits fail to detect over 90% of the 31 kDa human IL-1 beta precursor (pro-IL-1 beta) in various cells. This is due to the specificity of the monoclonal antibodies raised to the mature 17 kDa IL-1 beta and used in the commercial kits (or in 'home made' ELISAs). The significant amount of pro-IL-1 beta which is not measured by the kits casts doubt on the accuracy of total IL-1 beta synthesis reported in hundreds of published studies. Investigators evaluating cellular synthesis of IL-1 in the development of new drugs or IL-1 levels in health and disease increasingly rely on commercial detection kits. In this commentary, the importance and methods for determining total IL-1 beta synthesis are reviewed. In view of the preliminary positive results reported on the success of the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in clinical trials, attention should be focused on the amount of IL-1 produced in disease and on the balance of IL-1 versus IL-1ra synthesis. Thus, continued use of these ELISA kits which do not detect pro-IL-1 beta will confound the interpretation of the IL-1 beta determinations.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Effects of the stem cell factor, c-kit ligand, on human megakaryocytic cells.

The kit ligand (KL), also termed stem cell factor (SCF), is a recently discovered hematopoietic growth factor that augments response of early progenitor cells to other growth factors and supports proliferation of continuous mast cell lines. Histological studies suggest that the receptor for SCF/KL, the c-kit proto-oncogene product, is present in bone marrow megakaryocytes. We studied the effects of SCF/KL on immortalized human megakaryocytic cell lines (CMK, CMK6, and CMK11-5) and on isolated human marrow megakaryocytes. Human SCF/KL alone or in combination with the hematopoietic growth factors, interleukin-3 (IL-3), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and IL-6, stimulated proliferation of these megakaryocytic cell lines. SCF/KL treatment did not alter expression of gpIb, gpIIb/IIIa, LFA-1, ICAM-1, or GMP-140 in CMK cells. No effect on ploidy was observed. Furthermore, human SCF/KL induced expression of IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta, IL-2, and IL-6 in CMK cells. In a fibrin clot system, SCF/KL modestly potentiated megakaryocyte colony formation when added alone to cultures containing CD34+, DR+ bone marrow cells. Addition of SCF/KL with IL-3 or GM-CSF to these cultures resulted in a more marked marrow megakaryocytic cells. SCF/KL may directly affect megakaryocytopoiesis, as well as secondarily modulate hematopoiesis through induction of cytokines in target cells.

Antigens, Surface

Interleukin 4 (IL) 4 up-regulates gene and surface IL 1 receptor type I in murine T helper type 2 cells.

The T cell-derived cytokine interleukin (IL) 4 is known to increase the proliferative response of T cells stimulated with IL 1. IL 4 is also an autocrine growth factor for type II T helper cells (Th2) cells. In the present studies, we examined the effect of murine recombinant IL 4 on the expression of the IL 1 receptor type I (IL 1RtI) in murine Th2 cell lines at the mRNA and surface level. Using a specific anti-murine IL 1RtI monoclonal antibody and flow microfluorometry, we found that IL 4 increased the surface expression of IL 1RtI in a dose-dependent manner. In D10S cells, a subline of the Th2 cell line D10.G4.1, 50-500 pg/ml IL 4 up-regulated the receptor 1.8- to 3.2-fold (p less than 0.05). This up-regulation was also seen at the mRNA level. The effect was not due to increased stability of the mRNA, since IL 4 did not modify the half-life of IL 1RtI mRNA. IL 4 also up-regulated IL 1RtI on CDC25 cells, another Th2 cell line. However, we did not observe an effect of IL 4 on gene expression of IL 1RtI in BALB/c 3T3 fibroblasts. IL 2 and IL 4 showed an additive effect in up-regulating IL 1RtI and D10S cells. These studies indicate that IL 4 up-regulates IL 1RtI in murine Th2 cells by increasing gene expression for IL 1RtI without affecting mRNA stability. Thus, IL 4 production by Th2 cells may amplify the immune response via up-regulation of IL 1RtI.

Animals

Lipopolysaccharide induces human interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-1 production in the same cell.

A new member of the interleukin-1 (IL-1) family has recently been described. Human IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) is structurally related to IL-1 alpha and IL-1 beta but binds to IL-1 receptors on various target cells without demonstrable agonist activity. Understanding the mechanisms of regulation of IL-1ra production may clarify the biology of this unique cytokine as well as elucidate its possible role as a natural anti-inflammatory protein. The effects of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on IL-1 alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-1ra production was studied at a single-cell level by use of cytokine-specific antibodies and indirect immunofluorescence technique. The peak synthesis of IL-1ra and IL-1 alpha/beta occurred in peripheral blood monocytes obtained from healthy blood donors within 4 and 6 h of cell stimulation, respectively. By double-staining procedure all IL-1ra-positive cells were also IL-1 alpha and/or beta positive. Thus, endotoxin induced simultaneous synthesis of the IL-1 gene family in the same cells. Only monocytes contributed to the production of IL-1 alpha, beta and IL-1ra during the 96 h of cell culture. The maximum number of IL-1ra-producing monocytes was 48 +/- 16% as compared to peak production of IL-1 alpha and beta which occurred in 75 +/- 9% and 80 +/- 12% (p < 0.001), respectively, of all peripheral blood monocytes. The incidence of IL-1 alpha- and beta-containing cells was not only significantly higher but also occurred for a longer time period, 72 h as compared to 24 h for IL-1ra localized in the Golgi organelle. However, IL-1ra-containing cells with a diffuse cytoplasmic appearance were also evident (20%-30%) at a later stage, 12 to 72 h after stimulation. Blocking IL-1 surface receptors by addition of exogenous recombinant IL-1 beta before stimulation could not inhibit the diffuse cytosolic localization. This indicates that the "late" staining pattern did not reflect IL-1ra being secreted and internalized after binding to extracellular receptors. Thus, perhaps IL-1ra modulates IL-1 effector mechanisms by receptor interactions both inside and outside the cell.

Adult

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), IL-1 receptor antagonist, and TNF alpha production in whole blood.

The ability of an individual to mount defense responses to infection depend in part on the capacity to produce cytokines such as interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). The specialized equipment, labor intensity, and sterile practice required for the standard in vitro evaluation of cytokine production can make such evaluation impractical in some clinical situations. We report a method for stimulating whole blood to produce cytokines that can be implemented in laboratories without tissue culture facilities and requires minimal sample preparation. IL-1 beta and TNF alpha production in whole blood samples was stimulated with endotoxin and/or phytohemagglutinin in standard EDTA-containing vacuum collection tubes. After incubation, plasma was removed and frozen for later assay. Comparison of this whole blood method with isolated mononuclear cell cultures indicated a significant correlation for IL-1 beta production (r = 0.746, P = 0.005). This technique also produced the newly described cytokine, IL-1 receptor antagonist. We conclude that the whole blood method is an acceptable alternative to isolated cell culture methods for measuring IL-1 beta in situations that preclude the standard in vitro approach.

Adult

Cytokine gene expression and synthesis by human megakaryocytic cells.

Cytokine expression and production by human megakaryocytic cells were studied using the CMK cell line as a model for cytokine gene expression by cell line as a model for cytokine gene expression by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and for cytokine protein synthesis by specific radioimmunoassays. CMK cells at all stages of maturation were found to constitutively express moderate mRNA levels for tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta), interleukin (IL) 1 beta, and endothelial cell growth factor (ECGF) transcripts. After 6-h treatment with the phorbol ester PMA, gene expression for IL-1 alpha, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IL-3, and the IL-6 receptor were increased. After 24 h of exposure to PMA, levels for most cytokines declined to baseline, except for IL-6 which appeared as a new transcript. PMA-stimulated CMK lines synthesized low levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6, and higher levels of GM-CSF, IL-1 beta, and IL-1 alpha protein. These observations suggest that cells of megakaryocytic lineage are capable of producing a repertoire of cytokines which could mediate an autocrine role as well as modulate the replication and function of other hematopoietic cells.

Base Sequence

Suppression of IL-2-induced SAA gene expression in mice by the administration of an IL-1 receptor antagonist.

The hepatic acute phase response induced by the administration of interleukin (IL)-2 is most likely mediated by secondary cytokines. In this investigation, we examined the role of endogenous IL-1 in the synthesis of the hepatic acute phase protein serum amyloid A (SAA) during IL-2 treatment. The injection of IL-2 induced SAA gene expression in the liver. The concurrent administration of an IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) markedly reduced hepatic SAA mRNA levels and, to a lesser extent, SAA protein levels in the serum. Although IL-1 is an inducer of IL-6 production, the administration of the IL-1RA had no effect on circulating IL-6 levels in IL-2-treated mice. These findings suggest that the production of IL-1 is an important factor in the induction of SAA mRNA in mice undergoing immunotherapy with IL-2.

Animals

Pharmacokinetics, safety and immunomodulatory effects of human recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in healthy humans.

A phase I study of human recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) was conducted in healthy males between the ages of 18 and 30. Twenty-five volunteers received a single, 3 h continuous intravenous infusion of doses ranging between 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg IL-1ra. At 3 h into the infusion, plasma IL-1ra levels were 3.1 micrograms/ml and 29 micrograms/ml for the 1 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg doses, respectively. Post-infusion plasma IL-1ra levels declined rapidly, exhibiting an initial half-life of 21 min and a terminal half-life of 108 min. Clinical, hematological, biochemical, endocrinological and immunomodulatory effects were monitored over 72 h and compared to those of four subjects receiving a 3 h infusion of saline. There were no clinically significant differences between the drug and saline groups in symptoms, physical examinations, complete blood counts, mononuclear cell phenotypes, blood chemistry profiles, serum iron and serum cortisol levels. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained after completion of the IL-1ra infusion synthesized significantly less interleukin 6 ex vivo than PBMC from saline-injected controls. These data suggest that transient blockade of interleukin 1 receptors is safe and does not significantly affect homeostasis.

Cytokines

The natural interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in term and preterm parturition.

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-1 has been implicated in the mechanisms responsible for preterm labor in the setting of infection. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is a new member of the interleukin-1 gene family that inhibits the biologic effects of interleukin-1 by blocking its receptors. Reduction of interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin production by intrauterine tissues may have potential value in the treatment of preterm labor associated with infection. The purpose of these studies was (1) to determine interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels in the amniotic fluid of women with term and preterm labor (with and without infection) and (2) to study the effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin biosynthesis by human amnion and chorion. STUDY DESIGN: Amniotic fluid was obtained from women in the midtrimester of pregnancy (n = 20), at term pregnancy (with and without labor, n = 69), and in preterm labor (n = 47). Fluid was cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and Mycoplasmas. Interleukin-1 alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentrations were measured by immunoassays previously validated for human amniotic fluid. The effect of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin production by amnion and chorion was studied with primary cultures. Cells were incubated with interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and interleukin-1 alpha or interleukin-1 beta for 16 hours. Prostaglandin E2 released into the media was assayed by immunoassay. RESULTS: (1) Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist was present in all amniotic fluid samples; (2) amniotic fluid contains the highest interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentrations detected in any biologic fluid to date; (3) amniotic fluid interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentrations were not increased in women with preterm labor and intraamniotic infection in spite of dramatically elevated concentrations of interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta in the same fluid (median 22 ng/ml and range 0.16 to 70 for preterm labor with negative amniotic fluid culture vs median 30 ng/ml and range 6 to 70 for preterm labor with positive amniotic fluid culture; p > 0.05); (4) interleukin-1 receptor antagonist reduced interleukin-1 beta-induced prostaglandin E2 production by amnion and chorion in a dose-dependent manner; (5) interleukin-1 receptor antagonist by itself did not stimulate prostaglandin E2 release by amnion and chorion when used in concentrations ranging from 0.1 to 1000 ng/ml. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is a physiologic component of amniotic fluid; (2) the release of interleukin-1 alpha and interleukin-1 beta into the amniotic fluid in women with preterm labor is not associated with an increase in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist levels in amniotic fluid; (3) interleukin-1 receptor antagonist reduces interleukin-1-induced prostaglandin production by amnion and chorion; (4) exogenous anticytokine agents may be of value in the treatment of preterm labor.

Adult

In vitro production of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in chronic renal failure, CAPD and HD.

Dialysis-related symptoms are believed to be mediated, at least in part, by monocyte/macrophage-derived pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Measuring the production of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-Ra), a naturally occurring inhibitor of IL-1, opens avenues to study the balance between these two cytokines in patients. We studied the cell content and production of IL-1 beta and IL-Ra by unstimulated and endotoxin- or IgG-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in undialyzed patients with chronic renal failure (CRF), patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and patients on chronic hemodialysis with reuse cuprophan membranes (HD), and compared them to healthy controls. IL-1 beta and IL-Ra were measured by specific radioimmunoassay. IL-1 beta was undetectable in freshly harvested PBMC from healthy controls, CRF, CAPD or HD. In contrast, the content of IL-Ra in HD patients (2828 +/- 466 pg/ml) was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (643 +/- 53 pg/ml, P < 0.01), CRF (1097 +/- 320 pg/ml, P < 0.01) or CAPD (1398 +/- 390 pg/ml, P < 0.05). In endotoxin-stimulated PBMC, IL-1 beta production by HD patients (9375 +/- 1687 pg/ml) was not significantly different from healthy controls (8429 +/- 1621 pg/ml). However, endotoxin-stimulated IL-Ra production by HD patients (32,350 +/- 8276 pg/ml) was greater than that from healthy controls (11,284 +/- 1250 pg/ml, P < 0.001), CRF (12,263 +/- 2680 pg/ml, P < 0.01) or CAPD patients (11,822 +/- 1797 pg/ml, P < 0.01).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult

Diminished in vitro production of interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha during acute visceral leishmaniasis and recovery after therapy.

Disturbance of T cell-mediated immunity has been reported in acute visceral leishmaniasis (AVL). In a study of 16 patients with AVL, defective production of interleukin-1 (IL-1) by peripheral blood mononuclear cells was demonstrated in response to leishmania antigens, heat-killed Listeria organisms, and lipopolysaccharide when compared to posttherapy values or controls. This global defect in IL-1 production was corrected after successful therapy. Twelve of 16 patients responded with a greater than or equal to 2.5-fold increase in IL-1 production that correlated with clinical cure, P less than .01. Depressed production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was leishmania antigen-specific and similarly recovered after therapy. In vitro TNF production during the follow-up period did not correlate with clinical status but high serum levels were associated with AVL. Since T cells are activated by processed antigens presented on class II major histocompatibility molecules and by newly synthesized IL-1, defective IL-1 production may contribute to the immunosuppression observed in AVL.

Acute Disease

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor blockade reduces endotoxin and Borrelia burgdorferi-stimulated IL-8 synthesis in human mononuclear cells.

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a potent stimulator of IL-8 production by fibroblasts and monocytes. In the present study, we asked how much of endotoxin (LPS)-induced IL-8 production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was due to IL-1 induced by LPS. Cells were stimulated with either IL-1 beta, LPS, or Borrelia burgdorferi, and total IL-8 was determined by a specific radioimmunoassay. The addition of saturating concentrations of IL-1 receptor antagonist protein (IRAP) reduced the IL-1 beta-, LPS-, and B. burgdorferi-induced IL-8 synthesis by 85, 50, and 40%, respectively. Increasing the concentration of LPS did not affect the reduction in IL-8 synthesis observed in the presence of IRAP. Significant inhibition of the IL-1 beta-induced IL-8 synthesis was observed when IRAP was added 60 or 90 min after IL-1 beta; similarly, IL-8 synthesis after LPS was also reduced by delayed addition of IRAP. These data suggest that the ameliorative effects of IL-1 receptor blockade in models of inflammation and infection may be due, in part, to suppression of IL-1-induced IL-8.

Borrelia burgdorferi Group