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Updated: Nov 15, 2025

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay
Published on: March 1, 2011
Are sensory neurons exquisitely sensitive to interleukin 1β?
Patrick L Stemkowski1, Nataliya Bukhanova-Schulz1, Troy Baldwin2
1Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute and Department of Pharmacology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2H7, Canada.
Abstract:
Peripheral nerve injury frequently evokes chronic neuropathic pain. This is initiated by a transient inflammatory response that leads to persistent excitation of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons by inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1β(IL-1β). In non-neuronal cells such as lymphocytes, interleukin 1 exerts actions at attomolar (aM; 10-18 M) concentrations. We now report that DRG neurons in defined-medium, neuron-enriched culture display increased excitability following 5-6 d exposure of 1aM IL-1β. This response is mediated in part by type 1 interleukin receptors and involves decreased function of putative KCa1.1 channels. This finding provides new insights into the neuroimmune interactions responsible for neuropathic pain.
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