Differential effects of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist in cytokine- and endotoxin-treated rats

Experimental studies of rats treated with cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor and interleukin-1 (IL-1) and those treated with endotoxins suggest an enhancement of plasma insulin, resistance to insulin, glucose flux in fed state and decrease in plasma zinc in injured state due to IL-1. The response of these rats to endotoxins or cytokines in relation to protein metabolism is complex and varies with food content in the body. These impairments during metabolism can be rectified by using the IL-1 receptor antagonist, in conjunction with a proper nutritional diet.