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Induction of pulmonary Mn superoxide dismutase mRNA by interleukin-1

J E White1, M F Tsan

  • 1Research Service, Samuel S. Stratton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208.

Insights

Intratracheal administration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or interleukin-1 (IL-1) selectively increases pulmonary manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD) mRNA. This route-dependent effect is crucial for enhancing Mn SOD levels and protecting against oxygen toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pulmonary Medicine

Background:

  • Previous studies showed intratracheal (IT) but not intraperitoneal (IP) administration of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) or interleukin-1 (IL-1) enhances pulmonary manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD) mRNA.
  • This enhancement leads to increased Mn SOD protein, enzyme activity, and protection against oxygen toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the route-dependency of TNF and IL-1 in enhancing pulmonary Mn SOD mRNA levels.
  • To determine the effect of these cytokines on Mn SOD mRNA synthesis and regulation.

Main Methods:

  • Administration of TNF or IL-1 via IT, IP, or intravenous (IV) routes in rats.
  • Quantification of Mn SOD and Cu, Zn SOD mRNA levels in lung, spleen, and kidney.
  • Use of actinomycin D to assess mRNA stability.
  • Nuclear runoff transcription assays to evaluate mRNA synthesis rates.

Main Results:

  • IT administration of TNF or IL-1 selectively increased pulmonary Mn SOD mRNA, with no effect on splenic or renal Mn SOD mRNA.
  • IP or IV administration of TNF or IL-1 had minimal to no effect on Mn SOD mRNA levels in any organ.
  • Neither TNF nor IL-1 affected Cu, Zn SOD mRNA levels regardless of administration route.
  • IT IL-1 administration enhanced Mn SOD mRNA synthesis, indicating transcriptional regulation.

Conclusions:

  • The enhancement of pulmonary Mn SOD mRNA by IL-1 is significantly dependent on the route of administration.
  • IL-1-induced increases in pulmonary Mn SOD mRNA are, at least in part, regulated at the transcriptional level.

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