Measurement and drug induced modulation of interleukin-1 level during zymosan peritonitis in mice

The time-course and pharmacological modulation of interleukin-1 (IL-1) production were investigated during zymosan induced peritonitis in mice. IL-1α liberation was assessed by specific immunoassay (ELISA) and the IL-1 like bioactivity (sensitive to bothα- andβ-forms of IL-1) was measured by a sensitive bioassay (D10G4.1 costimulation). I.p. injection of zymosan induced significant IL-1 release into the peritoneal exudate. The level peaked at 4h and by 24h dropped below the detection limit in both assays. The effects of the prototypical antiinflammatory drugs indomethacin (IND) and dexamethasone (DEX) and that of IX 207-887, a compound which has been reported to interfere primarily with IL-1 production, were also tested. DEX and IX 207-887 dose-dependently decreased the immunoassayable IL-1α level and the IL-1 like bioactivity as well. However, IND had no suppressant effect. Thus, the data obtained by immunoassay and bioassay correlated well proving the suitability of zymosan peritonitis model for the examination of IL-1 production in experimental inflammation.