Increased fat:carbohydrate oxidation ratio in Il1ra−/− mice on a high-fat diet is associated with increased sympathetic tone

Aims/hypothesis Proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-1, exert pleiotropic effects on the neuro–immuno–endocrine system. Previously, we showed that mice with knockout of the gene encoding IL-1 receptor antagonist (Il1ra−/−, also known as Il1rn−/−) have a lean phenotype. The present study was designed to analyse the mechanisms leading to this lean phenotype.