[Significance of interleukin 1 and related monokines in the pathogenesis of chronic polyarthritis]

Activated monocytes/macrophages secrete monokines, regulatory proteins which are capable of initiating and maintaining immune processes as well as having an effect on other non immunocompetent cells. In rheumatoid arthritis the monokine Interleukin-1 (IL-1) was detected in the synovial fluid. IL-1 activates immunocompetent cells in the synovial membrane. It also stimulates rheumatoid synovial cells to markedly increase the collagenase-production and release of prostaglandin E2 and lysosomal acid hydrolase. The proliferation of fibroblasts is enhanced by IL-1. IL-1 has also been shown to be responsible for stimulating the production of cartilage-degrading enzymes and to lead to degradation of the cartilage matrix. It can enhance the rate of Ca++-release in the bone, but may also stimulate the production of collagen and glycosaminoglycans by osteocytes. Drug-induced inhibition of secretion, release or function of IL-1 may have an immune-modulating, antiinflammatory and antiproliferative effects.