Effects of continuously administered murine interleukin-1 alpha: tolerance development and granuloma formation

Continuous infusion of murine recombinant interleukin-1 alpha (rIL-1 alpha) into rats by using intraperitoneally implanted osmotic pumps led to marked decreases in body weight, liver enzymes (serum glutamic oxalacetic transaminase, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, and sorbitol dehydrogenase), appetite, and mobility and increases in drinking, blood urea nitrogen, and total peripheral blood leukocytes within 3 days. Granuloma formation was found in the local area of rIL-1 alpha release. As early as day 3, a focal infiltrate of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, mononuclear leukocytes, and plasma cells filled the area; by day 6, extensive fibrosis was found. A loss of rIL-1 alpha-induced changes, with the exception of granuloma formation, occurred by day 10. A marked decrease in the response to rIL-1 alpha was also observed when animals were challenged by implantation of new pumps containing rIL-1 alpha, with monitoring of body weight, or by subcutaneous injection of rIL-1 alpha, with monitoring of serum colony-stimulating factor production. We propose that, even in the continuous presence of interleukin-1, replacement of the acute responses to interleukin-1 by restoration of more normal physiology may be advantageous upon acquisition of specific immunity.