Cytokines and neutrophils as important mediators of platelet-activating factor-induced kinin B1 receptor expression

1 PAF injection into the rat paw is accompanied by the concomitant activation of NF-kappa B and neutrophil influx, which appears to be relevant to the up-regulation of kinin B1 receptors. Herein, we analyse the role of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta production for PAF-induced B1 receptor upregulation in the rat paw. Additionally, we evaluate how cytokine production and neutrophil migration fit into the temporal sequence of events leading to PAF-induced B1 receptor upregulation. 2 In our experiments, treatment with PAF resulted in a marked increase of B1 receptor-mediated paw oedema and in situ production of TNF-alpha at 1 h and IL-1 beta at 3 and 6 h later. B1 receptor-mediated paw oedema was significantly inhibited by anti-TNF-alpha antibody and by interleukin-1 receptor antagonist ( IRA). 3 TNF-alpha was necessary for the local PAF-induced IL-1 beta production. NF-kB blocker PDTC prevented the production of both TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta, indicating that cytokine production is NF-kappa B dependent. 4 Depletion of neutrophils with an anti-PMN antibody prevented IL-1 beta, but not TNF-alpha, production. Although both TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta are relevant to functional B1 receptor upregulation, PAF-induced increase in B1 receptor mRNA was markedly suppressed by anti-TNF-alpha and, to a lesser extent, by IRA. B1 receptor mRNA expression was also prevented by the anti-PMN antibody. 5 In conclusion, the activation of the TNF-alpha/neutrophil axis by PAF seems to be sufficient for B1 receptor mRNA production. However, the TNF-alpha/neutrophil axis is also necessary for IL-1 beta production. These two processes might lead to the appearance of functional kinin B1 upregulation receptors in vivo after PAF treatment.