Interleukin-1-beta release from rat gastric fundus

The rat gastric fundus produces and releases immunoreactive-interleukin-1-beta (ir-IL-1-beta) under basal conditions. Glucocorticoids and gastric antisecretory drugs inhibit this release. Electrical stimulation of the gastric strips and agents that induce IL-1 biosynthesis have no effect of ir-IL-1-beta release. IL-1-beta protects the the gastric mucosa against injuries due to acid secretion. The suppression of its release may be responsible for the pathogenesis of gastric damage related to severe stress or steroid therapy.