Intrapulmonary expression of IL-1B and IL-18 mRNA in experimental severe acute pancreatitis.

Objective To investigate the intrapulmonary expressions of IL-1B and IL-18 mRNA, and to detect the correlation of such expressions with lung injury in experimental severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods Thirty two SD rats were randomized into four groups: normal controls (NC), SAP 6 h, SAP 12 h and SAP 18 h. SAP was induced by retrograde infusion of 5% sodium taurocholate (0. 1 ml/100 g)into the bili-pancreatic duct. Serum amylase was measured by using an automatic HITACHI-7150 analyzer. Intrapulmonary expressions of IL-1B and IL-18 mRNA were detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Results Serum amylase levels were significantly increased after the induction of pancreatitis, reaching the peak at 12 h, with statistical significance compared with the NC group (P0. 01). Expressions of IL-1J3 and IL-18 mRNA were observed in the lungs of normal rats. Intrapulmonary expressions of IL-1B and IL-18 mRNA were increased greatly during taurocholate-induced SAP, with statistical significance compared with the NC group(P0. 01). Conclusions In addition to TNFa, overproduction of IL-1B and IL-18 in the lungs might play an important role in the course of ALI and ARDS during the experimental SAP.