Effect of chronic IL-1 beta infusion on glucose homeostasis and pancreatic insulin secretion

The present studies examined the effects of chronic interleukin-1 (IL-1 beta) infusion on glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in male Sprague Dawley rats. IL-1 beta (4 micrograms per day) or saline was infused over a six day period using mini-osmotic pumps, surgically inserted under light ether anesthesia. Saline-infused rats were fed the amount of food consumed by their respective pair in the IL-1 beta group on the previous day. IL-1 beta infusion resulted in decreased food intake and significant body weight loss as well as increased liver and kidney weights. IL-1 beta infusion resulted in fasting hypoglycemia as well as elevated blood glucose levels in response to an oral glucose load compared to controls. Glucose-induced insulin secretion from the isolated perfused pancreas was significantly lower in IL-1 beta treated rats compared to controls. These data demonstrate that chronic IL-1 beta administration alters glucose homeostasis and impairs glucose-induced insulin secretion.