Recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein prevents sensitization and intestinal anaphylaxis in guinea pigs.

Recombinant interleukin-1 receptor antagonist protein (rlRAP, 0.5 mg/kg) administered intraperitoneally in guinea pigs one hour before primary and booster parenteral sensitization (1 ml) by cow milk, led to a reduced immunoglobulin E (IgE) production, as displayed by a passive cutaneous anaphylaxis test. rlRAP administered intraperitoneally in sensitized guinea pigs at 0.5 mg/kg 10 min before challenge administration (beta-lactoglobulin, 100 mg per os), also prevents the colonic motor and secretory changes induced by intestinal anaphylaxis. These results suggest the involvement of interleukin-1 in food allergy and evidence a double protective role for rlRAP in food hypersensitivity.