Participation of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1 in the modulation of breathing pattern

In experiments on anesthetized rats, the influence of the main pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β) on the parameters of the breathing was studied. It was found that increases in both cerebral and systemic levels of IL-1β affects the central mechanisms of regulation of breathing pattern, causing increased respiratory minute volume associated with rapid breathing, increased central inspiratory activity and a corresponding increase in tidal volume.