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Induction of human interleukin-1 production by polymyxin B
Abstract:
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a well known interleukin-1 inducer. Polymyxin B sulphate (PMB) is a cyclic antibiotic which neutralizes different biological properties of LPS. Under the conditions used in our laboratory, we were able to show that PMB alone could stimulate human monocytes to produce and release interleukin-1 activity, and that PMB was unable to inhibit the production of interleukin-1 by human monocytes stimulated with LPS. On the contrary, a synergistic effect was obtained which was not observed with another stimulant such as muramyl dipeptide.
Insights
Polymyxin B sulfate (PMB) alone stimulates interleukin-1 production in human monocytes. PMB and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) together show a synergistic effect on interleukin-1 release, not seen with other stimulants.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a potent inducer of interleukin-1 (IL-1).
- Polymyxin B sulfate (PMB) is an antibiotic known to neutralize LPS biological activities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the independent and combined effects of PMB and LPS on IL-1 production by human monocytes.
Main Methods:
- Human monocytes were stimulated with PMB alone, LPS alone, or a combination of PMB and LPS.
- Interleukin-1 activity in the supernatant was measured.
Main Results:
- PMB alone stimulated IL-1 production in human monocytes.
- PMB did not inhibit LPS-induced IL-1 production.
- A synergistic effect on IL-1 production was observed when PMB was combined with LPS, an effect not seen with muramyl dipeptide.
Conclusions:
- PMB possesses intrinsic interleukin-1 inducing properties in human monocytes.
- PMB and LPS exhibit a synergistic interaction in stimulating IL-1 release.
- The synergistic effect is specific to the LPS-PMB combination.