RELEASE OF CYTOKINES FROM ISOLATED LUNG STRIPS BY BRADYKININ

Bradykinin as an inflammatory mediator was assayed for its ability to release cytokines from isolated lung tissue derived from guinea pigs, mice and in some cases from patients. Bradykinin elicited in concentra tions, which were able to induce a contraction of isolated lung strips , a secretion of different cytokines from the tissue into organ baths as well as from lung tissue incubated in petri dishes (4 h, 37 degrees C). Using enzyme immune assays and the tanned erythrocyte electrophor etic mobility (TEEM)-test in combination with monoclonal antibodies th e cytokines could be identified preferably as interleukin(IL)-1, IL-2, sIL-2R and IL-6. Tyrode solution as a control and carbachol in a conc entration causing also a contraction were not able to release cytokine s in a significant amount. The bradykinin B-2 receptor antagonist icat ebant (HOE 140) inhibited the bradykinin-induced IL-2 and IL-6 release . The results show that bradykinin can elicit the secretion of the cyt okine cascade via a receptor-mediated process.