Protective effect of the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) on experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in rats.

Abstract

Cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) are thought to contribute to the inflammatory response associated with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. We assessed the role of IL-1 in an animal model of MS, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), by testing the effects of treatment with an IL-1 receptor antagonist (recombinant human IL-1ra) on the clinical course of EAE in Lewis rats. Treatment with rhIL-1ra every day starting on Day 9 post-immunization with myelin basic protein (MBP) during the effector phase of EAE significantly inhibited clinical signs of EAE. rhIL-1ra delayed the onset, reduced the severity of paralysis and weight loss, and shortened the duration of disease. These data suggest that IL-1 is a mediator of the inflammation resulting from active immunization with MBP, and that inhibitors of IL-1 may prove beneficial for the treatment of autoimmune or inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system.

• Authors: D Martin, S L Near
• Journal: Journal of neuroimmunology (J Neuroimmunol) Vol. 61 Issue 2 Pg. 241-5 (Sep 1995) ISSN: 0165-5728 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 7593560 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• IL1RN protein, human
• Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein
• Interleukin-1
• Recombinant Proteins
• Sialoglycoproteins

Topics

• Animals
• Body Weight
• Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental (drug therapy, physiopathology)
• Female
• Interleukin 1 Receptor Antagonist Protein
• Interleukin-1 (physiology)
• Rats
• Rats, Inbred Lew
• Recombinant Proteins (pharmacology)
• Sialoglycoproteins (pharmacology, therapeutic use)