We set out to investigate whether the nebulized and inhaled specific caspase-1 inhibitor Ac-YVAD-CHO has the potential to attenuate the pulmonary and systemic release of the caspase-1-dependent cytokines interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) as well as their downstream enzymes iNOS and COX-2 in rat experimental endotoxaemia.
Targeting caspase-1 by inhalation-therapy: effects of Ac-YVAD-CHO on IL-1 beta, IL-18 and downstream proinflammatory parameters as detected in rat endotoxaemia.
Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, University Hospital of Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. k.boost@med.uni-frankfurt.de