Differential effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist and tumor necrosis factor binding protein on fatty-streak formation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice.

BACKGROUND: The cytokines interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are secreted by the different cell populations of the vascular wall and have been suggested to promote atherosclerosis. METHODS AND
RESULTS: Their respective roles in fatty-streak formation in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were investigated by use of IL-1 receptor antagonist and TNF binding protein. Estradiol-17beta was used as a positive control. Blocking TNF seemed to be active in female animals but not in males. IL-1 receptor antagonist was as effective as or more effective than estradiol in both sexes.
CONCLUSIONS: IL-1 plays a crucial role in the initial step of the atherosclerotic process in this animal model, and blocking the activity of this cytokine should be considered as a therapeutic possibility.