Ozone induction of cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC) and nuclear factor-kappa b in rat lung: inhibition by corticosteroids.

We determined in rat lung whether ozone exposure was associated with the expression of the chemokine, cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant (CINC), and of the transcription factor, NF-kappa B. CINC mRNA expression peaked at 2 h after cessation of ozone exposure, and returned to basal levels by 24 h. DNA-binding activity of NF-kappa B showed a marked increase after ozone, maximal at 2 h. Dexamethasone inhibited CINC mRNA and NF-kappa B expression, together with neutrophilic inflammation. Our data supports the concept that ozone leads to NF-kappa B activation which increases CINC mRNA expression. These series of events could lead to neutrophilic inflammation.