Immunex preclinical data

Researchers reported animal results that demonstrate a role for IL-1 type 1 receptors in bone loss. As presented at the meeting of the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research in Cincinnati, one study investigated the effects of estrogen loss on the amount of bone in mice that were genetically engineered without Type 1 receptor. Prior to ovary removal, there was no significant difference in mice with or without the receptor.

Three weeks following the removal of ovaries, normal mice had lost 48-78 percent of bone volume, while mice without Type 1 receptor did not lose bone volume. The results imply that the interaction of IL-1 with its Type 1 receptor is involved in the ability of estrogen to regulate bone mass. Thus in the knockout mice, IL-1 could not bind to Type 1 receptor to activate osteoclasts to destroy bone. ...