Abstract
Intra-articular injection of streptococcal cell wall Ag followed by i.v. challenge ('reactivation') results in a destructive lymphocyte-dependent monoarticular arthritis. To further define the role of immune mechanisms in the model, Abs to Th1 and Th2-related cytokines were evaluated. Treatment of rats with antibodies to IL-4 reduced swelling, while treatment with anti-IL- 10 or anti-IFN-γ either had no effect or slightly enhanced the inflammatory response. These results suggest that Th-2 immune mechanisms may be, at least in part, operative in the model. To more precisely define the role of IL-4, the effects of anti-IL-4 on monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) expression were evaluated. Initial studies demonstrated that mRNA (as determined by in situ hybridization) and protein (as determined by immunofluorescence) for MCP-1 were detectable in inflamed synovial tissue in a time-dependent manner. Anti-IL-4 treatment significantly reduced the expression of mRNA for MCP-1 24 and 72 h after reactivation. In addition, anti-MCP-1 inhibited swelling and reduced influx of 111In-labeled T cells. These data suggest that the reactivation model of streptococcal cell wall Ag- induced arthritis is Th-2 dependent, and that an inter-relationship exists between IL-4 and the expression of MCP-1.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 1466-1471 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Immunology |
Volume | 160 |
Issue number | 3 |
State | Published - Feb 1 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |