Effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist on the apoptosis of eosinophil in guinea pig with asthma

AimTo evaluate the effect of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist(IL-1ra) on apoptosis and associated mechanism of eosinophil in guinea pig with asthma. MethodsA model of guinea pig with asthma was established. After inhalation of different concentrations of IL-1ra, asthma was induced in the guinea pig for 8 days, the concentration of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF),IL-5 in serum ,the eosinophil counts and apoptosis were assayed by radioimmunology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), fluoromicroscope and light microscope. ResultsIL-1ra indirectly decreased the level of IL-5 in serum, improved the apoptosis of eosinophil(EOS) in lung, then decreased the level of ECP in serum and BALF. ConclusionInhalation of nebulized IL-1ra showed protective effect against asthma through change of the activity and infiltration of EOS in lung.