Effects of anti-inflammatory agents on mucosal inflammation induced by infection with gram-negative bacteria.

Gram-negative bacterial infections of the urinary tract elicit a mucosal inflammatory response. Interleukin-6 is secreted into the urine, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNL) are recruited. In the present study we examined the effect of anti-inflammatory agents on these parameters and on bacterial clearance from the kidneys. Dexamethasone reduced interleukin-6 secretion, the PMNL response, and bacterial clearance. Diclofenac abolished the urinary interleukin-6 response but reduced the PMNL response and bacterial clearance only at the highest concentrations. Indomethacin drastically decreased bacterial clearance without the corresponding effect on interleukin-6 production or the PMNL response. The results demonstrate that the inhibition of inflammation impairs bacterial clearance from the kidneys. This is, however, not a direct function of inhibited interleukin-6 production or PMNL recruitment.