Total glucosides of paeony suppresses adjuvant arthritis in rats and intervenes cytokine-signaling between different types of synoviocytes

Total glucosides of paeony (TGP) are active compounds extracted from the roots of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of total glucosides of paeony (TGP) in the treatment of adjuvant arthritis (AA). AA in rats was established. Synoviocytes proliferation and activity of IL-1 were determined by 3-(4, 5-2dimethylthiazal-2yl) 2, 5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Ultrastructure of synovioctes was observed under transmission electron microscope. Phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular regulating kinase (ERK) and p38 kinase and expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) were detected by Western blot analysis. TGP (25, 50 and 100 mg kg(-1), ig, days 14-21) inhibited secondary inflammatory reaction, bone destruction and ultrastructure change of synoviocytes in AA rats. The administration of TGP (50 and 100 mg/kg, ig, days 14-21) in AA rats significantly decreased the production of IL-1, PGE2 and TNF-alpha by macrophage-like synoviocytes (MLS). TGP (25 mg/kg) also decreased the production of PGE(2) by MLS in AA rats. Furthermore, the increased phosphorylation of MAPKs, cell proliferation, and MMPs expression in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) stimulated by supernatants of MLS in AA rats could also be inhibited by TGP (50 and 100 mg/kg, ig, days 14-21). The results suggest that TGP possesses anti-inflammatory effects by modulating the pro-inflammatory mediators production from MLS and phosphorylation of MAPKs from FLS.     

Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist intervenes in signaling between different types of synoviocytes in rats with adjuvant arthritis

AIM: To investigate the mechanisms of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) in the treatment of adjuvant arthritis (AA). METHODS: AA was induced in rats by treatment with Freunds complete adjuvant (FCA). Rats were given an intracutaneous injection of IL-1ra (2.5, 10, 40 mg/kg, 3 times per day) from d 14 to d 21 after immunization. Synoviocyte proliferation and the activity of IL-1 were determined by using MTT assay. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. The ultrastructure of synoviocytes was observed by using a transmission electron microscope. Phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular regulating kinase (ERK) and p38 kinase were detected by Western blot analysis. RESULTS: IL-1ra (10 and 40 mg/kg, ic, d 14-21) modulated the secondary inflammatory reaction (P < 0.01), ultrastructure of synoviocytes and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation in AA rats. The administration of IL-1ra (10 and 40 mg/kg, ic, d 14-21) in AA rats significantly decreased the production of IL-1, PGE2 and TNF-alpha by macrophage-like synoviocytes (MLS) (P < 0.01). IL-1ra (2.5 mg/kg) also decreased the production of PGE2 (P < 0.01) and TNF-alpha (P < 0.05) by MLS in AA rats. The increased phosphorylation of MAPK and cell proliferation in fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) stimulated by supernatants of MLS in AA rats was also inhibited by IL-1ra (10 and 40 mg/kg, ic, d 14-21). CONCLUSION: IL-1ra has anti-inflammatory effects because it modulates the ultrastructure of synoviocytes, decreases the production of pro-inflammatory mediators by MLS, and inhibits the phosphorylation of MAPK in FLS.     

Anti-inflammatory potency of FR167653, a p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitor,in mouse models of acute inflammation

The anti-inflammatory effect of FR167653 (1-[7-(4-fluorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-8-(4-pyridyl)pyrazolo[5,1-c][1,2,4]triazin-2-yl]-2-phenylethanedione sulfate monohydrate), a p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase inhibitor, was examined in two mouse models of acute inflammation. Carrageenan-induced paw edema was inhibited by pretreatment with FR167653, anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antibody, and NS-398 (N-(2-cyclohexyloxy-4-nitrophenyl) methanesulfonamide), a selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor. Carrageenan increased TNF-alpha and prostaglandin E(2) levels in the paw, both of which were suppressed by FR167653. Subcutaneous injection of lipopolysaccharide at the back of mouse caused local increase in vascular permeability determined by leakage of Pontamine sky blue. FR167653 dose-dependently inhibited the lipopolysaccharide-induced plasma leakage. FR167653 also inhibited lipopolysaccharide-induced increases in serum TNF-alpha level, and skin TNF-alpha and prostaglandin E(2) levels at the injection site. On the other hand, FR167653 did not reduce arachidonic acid-induced plasma leakage which is not mediated by cyclooxygenase-2. FR167653 exhibits anti-inflammatory effects against both carrageenan-induced paw edema and lipopolysaccharide-induced plasma leakage through inhibiting the synthesis of inflammatory mediators that are regulated by p38 MAP kinase.     

Anti-adjuvant arthritis of recombinant human endostatin in rats via inhibition of angiogenesis and proinflammatory factors

AIM: To investigate the profile of endostatin on adjuvant arthritis (AA) and angiogenesis blockade in synovitis. METHODS: The model of rat AA was induced by injection of intradermal complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Hind paw volume of rat was measured by volume meter and the activities of interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-2 were measured by the assay of thymocytes proliferation. IL-1beta and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) produced by synoviocytes was estimated with radioimmunoassay. The number of new blood vessels in knee joint synovium was counted under microscope by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. RESULTS: The secondary inflammation of AA rats appeared on the 10th day after injection of CFA. The therapeutic administration of endostatin (0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg/d, sc, plus 7 d) was given from that time (d 10). It was found that endostatin significantly inhibited the secondary paw swelling and the number of new blood vessels in the synovium of AA rats. Endostatin significantly decreased the production of IL-1 derived from both peritoneal macrophages and synoviocytes and IL-2 from splenocytes, especially at the dose of 2.5 mg/kg. This effect of endostatin also was seen on TNF-alpha produced by synoviocytes. CONCLUSION: The recombinant human endostatin had an inhibitory effect on rat AA, which was related to its anti-angiogenesis and inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines.     

Influence of FR 167653, an inhibitor of TNF-alpha and IL-1, on the cardiovascular responses to chronic infusion of lipopolysaccharide in conscious rats.

Conscious, male Long Evans rats (350-450 g) chronically instrumented for the measurement of regional haemodynamics, were infused with FR 167653, a dual inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-1 (IL-1) synthesis (0.32 mg/kg/h) for 24 h, beginning 1 h before coinfusion of saline, or with saline for 24 h beginning 1 h before coinfusion of lipopolysaccharide (150 microg/kg/h), or with FR 167653 beginning 1 h before coinfusion of lipopolysaccharide. Animals infused with FR 167653 and saline showed progressive hindquarters vasoconstriction over the 24-h period, but this was not different from the change seen in animals (n = 3) infused with saline alone. However, plasma analysis at the end of the coinfusion of FR 167653 and saline showed substantial elevation in levels of creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, and potassium, consistent with some tissue damage (heart, liver, or skeletal muscle, or a combination of these). Animals coinfused with saline and lipopolysaccharide showed biphasic decreases in mean arterial blood pressure accompanied by renal hyperaemic vasodilatation, and decreases followed by increases in mesenteric and hindquarters flows and vascular conductances. At the end of the infusion period, plasma analysis showed signs of renal dysfunction (elevated creatinine) and hepatic dysfunction (elevated alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and alanine aminotransferase). In the presence of FR 167653, the hypotensive effects of lipopolysaccharide were abolished, but regional haemodynamics were unchanged, as were signs of organ dysfunction. One explanation of these observations is that FR 167653 causes a relative improvement in cardiac function during infusion of lipopolysaccharide, and this opposes the hypotensive effects of the latter, in spite of its persistent vasodilator effects.     

Effects and mechanisms of glucosides of chaenomeles speciosa on collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Effects of glucosides of chaenomeles speciosa (GCS)-a Chinese traditional herbal medicine (CTM) on inflammatory and immune responses and its mechanisms in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) rat were studied. Hind paw volumes of rats were measured by volume meter; lymphocyte proliferation, interleukin-1, interleukin-2, TNF-alpha level was determined by 3-(4,5-2 dimethylthiazal-2yl)2,5-diphenyltetrazoliumbromide (MTT) assay; cAMP level in synoviocytes was analyzed by competitive protein binding assay (CPBA). mRNA expression of G(i,), G(s), and TNF-alpha of synoviocytes in CIA rats was measured by RT-PCR and antibodies to collagen type II (CII) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. There was a marked secondary inflammatory response in CIA model, which accompanied with the decrease of body weight and the weight of immune organs simultaneously. The administration of GCS (30, 60, 120 mg x kg(-1), ig x 7 days) inhibited the inflammatory response and restored body weight and the weight of immune organs of CIA rats. Lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production of CIA rats increases, together with IL-1 and TNF-alpha in peritoneal macrophages and synoviocytes. The administration of GCS (30, 60, 120 mg x kg(-1), ig x 7 days) reduced above changes significantly. GCS at the concentration of 0.5, 2.5, 12.5, 62.5, 125 mg x l(-1) increased cAMP level of synoviocytes, which decreased in CIA rats in vitro. At the same time, GCS inhibited mRNA expression of G(i,) and TNF-alpha of synoviocytes and increased mRNA expression of G(s) of synoviocytes in CIA rats. GCS had no effect on the concentration of antibodies to CII. GCS possesses anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory actions and has a therapeutic effect on CIA rats due to G protein-AC-cAMP transmembrane signal transduction of synoviocytes, which play a crucial role in pathogenesis of this disease.     

吲哚美辛对大鼠和兔关节损伤的影响

AIM: To study the effects of indometacin (Ind) on joint damages. METHODS: The volume of noninjected hind paw and interleukin-1 (IL-1) production from peritoneal macrophages and articular synoviocytes induced by lipopolysaccharides were assayed in adjuvant arthritis (AA) rats. Measurements of synovial fibroblast proliferative response and proteoglycan synthesis of cartilage from rabbits were used. RESULTS: The secondary inflammatory reactions in AA rats on d 18, 21, and 24 were suppressed by i.g. Ind 2 mg.kg-1.d-1 for 9 d. Ind promoted IL-1 production from both macrophages and synoviocytes in AA rats. Ind 10 mumol.L-1 enhanced the proliferation of rabbit synovial fibroblasts and suppressed the proteoglycan synthesis of articular cartilage in response to IL-1 in vitro. CONCLUSION: Ind is unfavorable to the repair of joint destruction.     

重组人内抑素对佐剂性关节炎大鼠滑膜细胞增殖及产生细胞因子的影响

目的观察重组人内抑素对体外培养佐剂性关节炎大鼠滑膜细胞的增殖功能及产生细胞因子的影响,探讨其治疗佐剂性关节炎的作用机制。方法采用弗氏完全佐剂(CFA)诱导的佐剂性关节炎(AA)大鼠模型,用足容积法测量关节肿胀度;采用collagenasetypeⅡ消化法分离、培养滑膜细胞,MTT法检测重组人内抑素体内用药对滑膜细胞增殖的影响;放免法检测滑膜细胞上清液中IL-1β、TNF-α的含量。结果CFA致炎后d10,AA大鼠出现继发性炎症,此时皮下注射重组人内抑素(1·25,2·5,5mg·kg-1),连续7d,对照组于d10给予MTX(1·0mg·kg-1)。各剂量组能明显抑制AA大鼠的继发性足肿胀;重组人内抑素体内用药可明显减少AA大鼠滑膜细胞数量,抑制滑膜细胞的增殖,并呈剂量依赖关系;各剂量组均可明显抑制AA大鼠滑膜细胞产生过高的IL-1β和TNF-α。结论重组人内抑素抑制AA大鼠滑膜细胞过度的增殖及过高的细胞因子是其治疗AA的途径之一。     

重组人内抑素对大鼠佐剂性关节炎的影响

目的　观察重组人内抑素对大鼠佐剂性关节炎 (adju vantarthritis,AA)的影响及其作用机制。方法　用福氏完全佐剂 (CFA)诱导大鼠AA模型 ,MTT法检测脾淋巴细胞增殖反应 ,IL 1、IL 2活性的检测采用小鼠胸腺细胞增殖法 ,用放免法检测滑膜细胞培养上清液中IL 1和TNF α水平。结果　CFA致炎后d10 ,AA大鼠出现继发性炎症 ,给予不同剂量的内抑素 0 1、0 5、2 5mg·kg- 1·d- 1,sc ,连续 7d。结果发现 ,内抑素对AA大鼠的继发性足肿胀有抑制作用 ;进一步研究表明内抑素明显抑制AA大鼠过高的ConA诱导的脾细胞增殖反应 ,降低脾细胞IL 2的产生 ;对腹腔巨噬细胞(peritonealmacrophage ,PMΦ)产生过高的IL 1有抑制作用 ;另外 ,内抑素也可明显抑制AA大鼠滑膜细胞产生过高的IL 1和TNF水平。结论　重组人内抑素对AA大鼠具有治疗作用 ,其机制可能与其调节机体异常的免疫有关     

京尼平苷酸对佐剂性关节炎模型大鼠滑膜细胞体外培养增殖及分泌细胞因子的影响

目的:研究京尼平苷酸(GA)对佐剂性关节炎(AA)模型大鼠滑膜细胞体外培养增殖能力和分泌细胞因子的影响。方法:用弗氏完全佐剂建立AA模型大鼠,分离其滑膜细胞进行培养,以阳性细胞数和纯度鉴定其免疫细胞;将细胞分为对照组,GA低、中、高(10-7、10-6、10-5mol·L-1)剂量组,阳性对照(甲氨蝶呤,10-6mol·L-1)组并加入相应药物处理。MTT法检测吸光度(A)考察GA对滑膜细胞增殖的影响;流式细胞术测定细胞周期;酶联免疫吸附法检测各组滑膜细胞分泌肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、IL-10的水平。结果:2～3代滑膜细胞纯度达到试验要求;与对照组比较,GA高剂量组和阳性对照组大鼠滑膜细胞A值,S和G2/M期细胞比例,细胞外液TNF-α、IL-1β水平明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01),G1期细胞比例、IL-10水平明显升高(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:GA能显著抑制AA模型大鼠滑膜细胞的增殖,阻滞细胞周期于G1期,抑制滑膜细胞分泌TNF-α和IL-1β,促进IL-10分泌。     

A novel anti-rheumatic drug suppresses tumor necrosis factor-alpha and augments interleukin-10 in adjuvant arthritic rats

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) plays an important role in the pathology of rheumatoid arthritis. When N-[1-(4-?[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl?phenyl)cycloprop yl] acetamide (Y-39041) (3-30 mg/kg) was orally administered to rats with established arthritis from day 15 to day 20, hindpaw volume was significantly reduced. This inhibitory activity of Y-39041 was kept up after administration was stopped. On day 17 Y-39041 suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha and interleukin-6 production in serum at doses of 3-30 mg/kg, and augmented interleukin-10 production at doses of 10 and 30 mg/kg. The finding that Y-39041 suppresses TNF-alpha and interleukin-6 production and augments interleukin-10 production could be beneficial in the therapy of chronic inflammatory diseases.     

来氟米特对佐剂性关节炎大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞IL—1，IL—6和TNF—α产生的动态影响

目的:探讨来氟米特(leflunomide,LEF)对佐剂性关节炎大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞IL-1,IL-6和 TNF-α分泌的影响及其抗炎、抗类风湿的可能作用机制.方法:大鼠足跖皮下注射Freund完全佐剂诱导关节炎模型;LEF灌胃后分次获取腹腔巨噬细胞,其培养上清液中IL-1,IL-6和TNF-α活性采用ELISA法或生物法测定.结果:佐剂性关节炎大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞IL-1,IL-6和TNF-α分泌较正常对照组明显升高;LEF对由 LPS诱导产生的 IL-1和 TNF-α有明显的抑制作用,作用产生快;LEF(10,25 mg/kg)在应用21天后对IL-6的分泌也有明显抑制作用.结论:来氟米特具有抑制佐剂性关节炎大鼠腹腔巨噬细胞 IL-1,IL-6和 TNF-α分泌水平的作用.     

Effect of the p38 kinase inhibitor, SB 203580, on allergic airway inflammation in the rat

Tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. The p38 kinase inhibitor, SB 203580 inhibits TNF-alpha and IL-1beta production in vitro and in vivo. In this study the effect of SB 203580 on allergen-induced airway TNF-alpha production and inflammatory cell recruitment was investigated in sensitized Brown Norway rats. The allergen-induced increase in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) TNF-alpha was inhibited by SB 203580 at every dose tested (10 - 100 mg kg(-1), p.o.). In contrast, neither ovalbumin-induced eosinophilia or neutrophilia were inhibited by SB 203580 (10 - 100 mg kg(-1), p.o.). In conclusion, SB 203580 inhibits BAL TNF-alpha production by 95% without inhibiting either antigen-induced airway eosinophilia or neutrophilia. This data suggests that either the residual TNF-alpha is sufficient to drive allergen-induced inflammatory cell recruitment into the lung or that TNF-alpha is not involved in allergen-induced inflammatory cell recruitment.     

重组人内抑素诱导佐剂性关节炎大鼠滑膜细胞凋亡的研究

目的以弗氏完全佐剂诱导的佐剂性关节炎(AA)大鼠为动物模型,观察重组人内抑素诱导AA大鼠滑膜细胞凋亡的作用。方法分离、培养滑膜细胞,噻唑蓝(MTT)比色法检测重组人内抑素体内用药对滑膜细胞增殖的影响;用缺口末端标记法(TUNEL)及流式细胞仪检测重组人内抑素对AA滑膜细胞凋亡的影响。结果AA大鼠表现为滑膜细胞异常增殖,rh-End(1.25、2.5、5.0mg·kg-1)体内治疗给药及rh-End6.25～50mg·L-1浓度范围体外给药可抑制AA大鼠成纤维样滑膜细胞的增殖反应。rh-End体内用药可诱导AA大鼠滑膜组织及细胞的凋亡,rh-End体外用药作用48h,AnnexinV/PI双染色法观察到大鼠AAFLS凋亡率为1.77%,rh-End(25mg·L-1)可诱导AA大鼠FLS的凋亡,其凋亡率为6.67%。结论rh-End可不同程度抑制FLS的增殖反应,并诱导其凋亡的发生,减轻AA大鼠增生性滑膜炎。上述结果提示炎症增生的滑膜细胞可能是rh-End的另一个作用靶点。     

白芍总苷对胶原性关节炎大鼠滑膜细胞的作用及机制

目的研究白芍总苷(TGP)对胶原性关节炎(CIA)大鼠滑膜细胞的作用及机制。方法采用鸡II型胶原诱导大鼠CIA模型，胶原酶和胰蛋白酶消化法分离培养大鼠滑膜细胞，透射电镜观察滑膜细胞超微结构的变化，MTT法检测滑膜细胞的增殖能力，滑膜细胞培养上清液中IL-1活性的测定采用小鼠胸腺细胞增殖法，TNFα和PGE₂含量的测定采用放射免疫测定法。结果TGP能有效改善CIA大鼠滑膜细胞超微结构的变化，抑制其过度的增殖反应和产生IL-1，TNFα和PGE₂的水平。结论TGP对CIA大鼠功能亢进的滑膜细胞具有明显的抑制作用，其作用机制可能与其抑制滑膜细胞的过度增殖和分泌能力有关。     

Treatment with Y-40138, a multiple cytokine production modulator, inhibits lipopolysaccharide- or tumour necrosis factor-alpha-induced production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and augments interleukin-10

N-[1-(4-[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl phenyl)cyclopropyl] acetamide . HCl (Y-40138) suppresses liver injury in concanavalin A- and D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse hepatitis models. However, the mechanism of action of Y-40138 has not been fully investigated. In this study, we examined the effect of Y-40138 on cytokine production in mice. Cytokine production was induced by intraperitoneal injection of LPS (0.5 mg kg(-1)) or intravenous injection of recombinant mouse tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (10 mug mouse(-1)) in BALB/c mice. TNF-alpha and interleukin (IL)-10 reached maximum levels 1.5 h after the LPS injection. IL-12 and interferon-sigma (IFN-sigma) reached maximum levels 3 to 9 h after the injection. When Y-40138 was orally administered 30 min prior to the injection, it inhibited TNF-alpha, IL-12 and IFN-sigma production and augmented IL-10 production. Y-40138 also inhibited IL-12 production and augmented IL-10 production in TNF-alpha-stimulated mice. In IL-10 knockout mice, Y-40138 inhibited TNF-alpha and IL-12 production 1.5 h after the LPS injection but not after 3 h or later, unlike in wild mice. In addition, TNF-alpha production was inhibited by Y-40138 at concentrations that could not augment IL-10 production. These data suggest that Y-40138 modulates pro-inflammatory cytokine production by both IL-10-dependent and -independent mechanisms.     

FR183998, a Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor, suppresses both IL-8 content and myocardial infarct size in a cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion model in rats

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of FR183998 (5-(2,5-dichlorothiophen-3-yl)-3-[(2-dimethylaminoethyl)carbamoyl]benzoylguanidine dihydrochloride), an Na+/H+ exchange inhibitor, on myocardial interleukin-8 (IL-8) content and myocardial infarct size in a rat ischaemia and reperfusion model. Rats underwent 30 min of ischaemia followed by 1 to 24 h of reperfusion. IL-8 content rapidly increased in reperfused rat hearts. The maximum increase in IL-8 was obtained after 3 h of reperfusion. Intravenous administration of FR183998 at 1 and 3.2 mg kg(-1), 5 min before ischaemia, significantly reduced the IL-8 level after 3 h of reperfusion (122 +/- 16 and 149 +/- 23 pg mg(-1) protein, respectively), compared with that of the saline-treated group (258 +/- 27 pg mg(-1) protein). Myeloperoxidase activity after 3 h of reperfusion was also reduced by FR183998 (from 0.83+0.19 unit g(-1) weight of tissue in the saline-treated group to 0.36 +/- 0.09 and 0.33 +/- 0.06 unit g(-1) weight of tissue in FR183998-treated groups at 1.0 and 3.2 mg kg(-1), respectively). Myocardial infarction induced by 30 min of ischaemia and 24 h of reperfusion was significantly suppressed by the same doses of FR183998 (14.0 +/- 1.5,13.5 +/- 1.9% at 1.0 and 3.2 mg kg(-1)), compared with 22.2+2.7% in the saline-treated group. These results suggestthat IL-8 may contribute to the generation of myocardial infarction in an ischaemia and reperfusion model in rats.     

A novel dual regulator of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-10 protects mice from endotoxin-induced shock

A pyrimidylpiperazine derivative, N-[1-(4-?[4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazin-1-yl]methyl?phenyl)cycloprop yl] acetamide (Y-39041), is a dual cytokine regulator of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin-10 production. Lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha release in BALB/c mice was inhibited by the oral treatment with the compound at 10-100 mg/kg (about 80% suppression) while interleukin-10 release was augmented (about 10-fold increase at 30 mg/kg). In addition, Y-39041 (30 mg/kg, p.o.) completely protected mice from lipopolysaccharide-induced death by the treatment before and after lipopolysaccharide injection. The finding that Y-39041 suppresses TNF-alpha production and stimulates interleukin-10 production at the same time provides new insights for the treatment of septic shock, rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's diseases.