Inhibitory effects of formoterol on lipopolysaccharide-induced premature delivery through modulation of proinflammatory cytokine production in mice.

Previous studies have demonstrated that formoterol, a beta2-adrenoceptor agonist, has potent tocolytic effects in rats. The aim of the present study was to determine whether formoterol treatment affects proinflammatory cytokine production in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated premature delivery mouse model. Formoterol was continuously administered by osmotic pump and the number of fetuses in the uteri were counted. Samples of amniotic fluid and plasma were collected 8 and 16 h after systemic administration of LPS. LPS induced premature delivery and an increase in prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha)), interleukin 1alpha (IL-1alpha), IL-6 and IL-10 in the amniotic fluid, and an increase in IL-6 in plasma. Formoterol blocked all changes except the increase in IL-10. These data indicate that formoterol exerts inhibitory effects on proinflammatory cytokine production, and these effects may play an important role in the prevention of premature delivery.