Blocking IL-1β prevents M2 muscarinic receptor dysfunction in parainfluenza infected guinea pigs. (P6025)

Abstract

Abstract RATIONALE: Viral infections cause asthma attacks. Viruses cause loss of function of inhibitory M2 receptors on parasympathetic nerves. Blocking IL-1β prevents M2 receptor dysfunction in antigen-challenged guinea pigs. Here we investigated whether blocking IL-1β would prevent M2 receptor dysfunction is virus infected guinea pigs. METHODS: Guinea pigs were infected with parainfluenza. In some animals, IL-1β was blocked with anakinra (30mg/kg, i.p.) 30min before infection and every 24 hours after infection. Four days after infection, guinea pigs were mechanically ventilated and M2 receptor function was measured as the ability of gallamine to increase vagally stimulated bronchoconstriction. Viral titers were determined by measuring viral RNA in the lungs. White cells in blood and lung lavage were counted. RESULTS: Anakinra prevented M2 receptor dysfunction in infected animals. White cell counts were increased in lavage and decreased in the blood of infected animals. Anakinra did not affect viral titers or white cell counts. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with an IL-1β receptor antagonist prevents M2 receptor dysfunction in parainfluenza infected guinea pigs.