To determine the effect of the cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) on goblet cell secretion and a possible involvement of neutrophil elastase, we studied guinea pig trachea by a semi-quantitative method. Intravenously administered IL-8 decreased mucus score in a dose-dependent manner, indicating an increase in goblet cell secretion. Pretreatment of animals with ONO-5046, a specific inhibitor of neutrophil elastase, dose-dependently inhibited IL-8-induced goblet cell secretion.
These results suggest that IL-8 stimulates airway goblet cell secretion and that neutrophil elastase may play a role in this effect.