AJP - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, Vol 271, Issue 2 275-G281, Copyright © 1996 by American Physiological Society
Interleukin-1 beta release from rat gastric fundus
P. Montuschi, G. Tringali, A. Mirtella, L. Parente, E. Ragazzoni, P. Preziosi and P. Navarra
Institute of Pharmacology, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy.
Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is known to regulate gastric functions via a central
action at the hypothalamic level, and it has also been shown that this
cytokine can directly modulate rat gastric motility. This study was
conducted to determine whether IL-1 beta is produced and released by rat
gastric fundi in vitro. IL-1 beta immunoreactivity was released in
measurable amounts from explanted rat gastric tissue. This release was not
affected by electrical stimulation of the gastric strips or by agents that
induce IL-1 biosynthesis. It could be inhibited only by the glucocorticoid
dexamethasone. Ex vivo experiments confirmed the inhibitory role of
glucocorticoids and showed that IL-1 beta release can be inhibited by
agents that reduce gastric acid secretion, suggesting that the latter might
stimulate IL-1 beta synthesis and release. In light of the well-established
gastroprotection exerted by IL-1, H(+)-induced IL-1 beta release might
serve as a protection against mucosal injuries caused by acid secretion,
and the inhibition of this release by glucocorticoids might be involved in
the pathogenesis of gastric damage associated with severe stress or steroid
therapy.
