MEASUREMENT OF INTERLEUKIN-1 LIBERATION IN ZYMOSAN AIR-POUCH EXUDATE IN MICE

The aim of the present study was to examine whether interleukin-1 (IL- 1) production is involved in the pathology of inflammation induced by zymosan in the air-pouch of mice. For this reason the IL-1 alpha level was determined in the air-pouch exudate by specific ELISA kit 4, 24, 48h and 4-8 days after zymosan injection into preformed subcutaneous a ir-pouches in mice. Concurrently, some conventional parameters such as volume of exudate, its protein content and the total leukocyte count were also measured. The IL-1 alpha level reached its maximum 24 h afte r zymosan administration and remained elevated throughout the 8-day ob servation period. Exudation, accumulation of leukocytes and protein al so were maximal on day 8. The effects of some anti-inflammatory agents have also been examined. Orally administered dexamethasone induced a dose-dependent reduction in IL-1 alpha, whereas indomethacin and IX 20 7-887, an IL-1-release inhibitor, failed to reduce the IL-1 alpha cont ent in this model.