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Interleukin 6 is involved in interleukin 1-induced activities
M Helle1, J P Brakenhoff, E R De Groot
1Central Laboratory, The Netherlands Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Amsterdam.
European Journal of Immunology
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Interleukin 6 (IL 6) shows activity similar to Interleukin 1 (IL 1) in stimulating thymocyte proliferation and inducing fever. These findings suggest IL 6 plays a role in the diverse effects of IL 1.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Human monocytes produce key mediators like IL 1 and TNF.
- IL 6, a monocyte-derived factor, has recently been cloned.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the biological activities of recombinant IL 6 (rIL 6).
- To compare the effects of IL 6 with IL 1.
- To explore the relationship between IL 1 and IL 6.
Main Methods:
- Assaying rIL 6 activity in the thymocyte proliferation assay.
- Investigating the synergistic effects of IL 1 and IL 6 on thymocytes.
- Evaluating the pyrogenicity of human rIL 6 in rabbits via intravenous injection.
Main Results:
- Recombinant IL 6 demonstrated comparable activity to IL 1 in the thymocyte assay.
- IL 1 and IL 6 exhibited strong synergy in stimulating thymocyte proliferation.
- Human rIL 6 induced a monophasic fever in rabbits, indicating pyrogenicity.
Conclusions:
- IL 6 shares functional similarities with IL 1, including thymocyte stimulation and pyrogenicity.
- IL 1 can induce IL 6 production in various cells.
- IL 6 is implicated in mediating many of the pleiotropic effects attributed to IL 1.