Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay
Published on: March 1, 2011
Interleukin 1 in the brain: biology, pathology and therapeutic target
1School of Biological Sciences, 1.124 Stopford Building, University of, M13 9PT, Manchester, UK.
Abstract:
The cytokine interleukin 1 (IL-1) has diverse actions in the brain. In normal brain the IL-1 system is expressed at low levels and is upregulated rapidly in response to local or peripheral insults. IL-1 mediates host defence responses to local and systemic disease and injury (e.g. fever, slow-wave sleep, appetite suppression and neuroendocrine responses) and to neuroinflammation and cell death in neurodegenerative conditions, such as stroke and head injury. It has also been implicated in chronic degenerative diseases, in particular, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. The mechanisms regulating the expression and action of IL-1 are poorly understood, but involve multiple effects on neuronal, glial and endothelial cell function. Thus, the IL-1 system provides an attractive and intensely competitive target for therapeutic intervention.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
The Blood-brain Barrier
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease

