Pasteurella multocida toxin induces IL-6, but not IL-1 alpha or TNF alpha in fibroblasts.

Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) is the major virulence factor in Progressive Atrophic Rhinitis of swine. Other workers' previous findings that PMT was mitogenic for 3T3 fibroblasts, were confirmed in the present study. In addition, PMT stimulated 3T3 cells to release IL-6, but IL-1 alpha or TNF alpha were not detected in fibroblast supernatants sampled 24, 48, or 72 h after stimulation. In view of the role of IL-6 in osteoclastic bone resorption, these findings provide a new working hypothesis for investigations into the molecular pathogenesis of this important disease.