Soman-induced interleukin-1 beta mRNA and protein in rat brain

Exposure to high doses of the toxic organophosphate compound soman, also kn own as a chemical warfare agent, causes a progression of toxic symptoms inc luding hyper-secretions, convulsions, respiratory depression, and finally d eath. In previous studies, we have demonstrated pronounced effects followin g soman intoxication in dopaminergic, GABAergic, and cholinergic systems in rat brain. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects on the pro -inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), indicated as mRNA an d protein production, at different time intervals following soman intoxicat ion. The peak levels of mRNA was observed 30 min following soman exposure, while a significant increase in the protein was observed at 6 h. Immunohist ochemistry analysis revealed the presence of IL-1 beta protein in astrocyte s and endothelial cells. In addition to the previously observed effects of soman, there is an induction of IL-1 beta in the brain. This effect, which is highly correlated to convulsions, implicates IL-1 beta as a possible med iator for long-term brain damage observed after soman intoxication. (C) 200 1 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.