Specific Changes in the Pancreactic Expression of the Interleukin 1 Family of Genes During Experimental Acute Pancreatitis

Author: Fink G.W.   Norman J.G.  

Publisher: Academic Press

ISSN: 1043-4666

Source: Cytokine, Vol.9, Iss.12, 1997-12, pp. : 1023-1027

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Abstract

Interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) is produced in large amounts during acute pancreatitis and is believed to play a primary role in determining pancreatitis severity and the degree of pancreatic tissue destruction. This study was undertaken to characterize intrapancreatic production of IL-1beta and the remainder of the IL-1 family of genes during sterile acute pancreatitis. Moderate or severe necrotizing pancreatitis was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of a cholecystokinin analogue or the feeding of a choline deficient diet, respectively. Animals were killed during the progression of pancreatitis with severity scored by histological grading and serum amylase concentration. The expression of IL-1beta, IL-1 Receptor 1 (IL-1R1), Il-1R2, IL-1R antagonist (IL-1Ra), and ICE mRNA within the pancreas was examined by quantitative differential RT-PCR. Corresponding intrapancreatic and serum proteins were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). There was constitutive expression of pancreatic IL-1R1, IL-1R2, IL-1Ra, and ICE but not IL-1beta. As pancreatitis developed, mRNA for IL-1beta, IL-1Ra, and ICE increased in parallel with the degree of pancreatitis severity (all P<0.001 vs baseline) while mRNA for both receptors remained stable (P=NS). Intrapancreatic and systemic IL-1beta and IL-1Ra protein also increased as pancreatitis developed (both P<0.001) with tissue levels being continuously greater than serum. This study demonstrated that sterile, endotoxin-free acute pancreatitis induces the upregulation of specific members of the IL-1 family of genes including production of large amounts of IL-1beta and its receptor antagonist within the pancreatic parenchyma. These changes are indicative of pancreatitis severity and are not model dependent.Copyright 1997 Academic Press Limited

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