Interleukin-18 in a rat model of IBD

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a condition characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the intestines. While the exact pathogenesis of IBD remains unclear, pro-inflammatory cytokines arc thought to be key mediators. Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is a novel pro-inflammatory cytokine that has recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of IBD (1). The aim of this experiment was to investigate changes in IL-18 during development of colitis in the 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) model of IBD in the rat. Results indicate that colonic IL-18 is significantly elevated 3 days after administration of TNBS and gradually returns to control levels by day 14, even though colitis is still evident at this timepoint. These results indicate a role for IL-18 in the development of TNBS-induced colitis in. the rat and support a role for IL-18 in the pathogenesis of IBD.