Modulation of IL-1-induced collagenase production in articular chondrocytes by pertussis toxin

The effects of pertussis and cholera toxins on interleukin-1 (IL-1) stimulated collagenase production from rabbit articular chondrocytes were investigated. Cholera toxin (50-1000 ng/ml) had no significant effect on IL-1-stimulated collagenase production. Pertussis toxin gave a 50-100% inhibition of collagenase activity induced by submaximal IL-1 concentrations. However, pertussis toxin had little effect on collagenase activity induced by maximal concentrations of IL-1. Optimal inhibitory effects were observed with 5-10 ng/ml of toxin.