RESUMO
The efficacy of treatment with interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) on Pseudomonas aeruginosa pneumonia was evaluated in a granulocytopenic mouse model. Combined intravenous administration of 2000 U IL-1 beta plus 2000 U TNF alpha significantly diminished mortality from aerosol challenge with P. aeruginosa. Mice treated with IL-1 beta, TNF alpha, or both also exhibited a significant enhancement in pulmonary clearance of P. aeruginosa. Combined cytokine administration induced an increase in the pulmonary content of myeloperoxidase activity. Mature leukocytes were not detected in either circulation or bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from granulocytopenic, cytokine-treated mice. In conclusion, IL-1 beta and TNF alpha treatment exhibited a synergistic protective effect from pulmonary P. aeruginosa challenge in granulocytopenic hosts, probably due to enhancement of nonspecific antibacterial mechanisms.