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Interleukin-1 in the central nervous system: from physiology to pathology

G Tringali1, C Dello Russo, P Preziosi

  • 1Institute of Pharmacology, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy.

Therapie
|June 22, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) affects the central nervous system over different time scales. This cytokine contributes to acute responses and chronic conditions like Alzheimer's disease, influencing disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Neuroinflammation
  • Cytokine signaling

Background:

  • Interleukin-1 (IL-1) exhibits diverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS).
  • IL-1 plays a role in both acute responses and chronic neurological disorders.
  • Understanding the temporal dynamics of IL-1 actions is crucial for CNS research.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a time-course classification for IL-1's pleiotropic actions in the CNS.
  • To distinguish between short-term (minutes-to-days) and long-term (days-to-years) effects.
  • To review IL-1's involvement in acute-phase responses, stress, and chronic CNS diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Classification based on time-course effects of IL-1.
  • Review of existing literature on IL-1's role in CNS disorders.
  • Analysis of IL-1's contribution to disease maintenance.

Main Results:

  • Two time-frames identified: minutes-to-days (acute responses) and days-to-years (chronic disorders).
  • Short-term effects include fever, altered intake, sleepiness, and neuroendocrine changes.
  • Long-term effects involve IL-1's contribution to ischemia, Alzheimer's disease, HIV dementia, and MS.

Conclusions:

  • IL-1 is a key mediator in acute CNS responses to immune stimuli.
  • Sustained IL-1 elevation contributes significantly to the pathology of various chronic CNS disorders.
  • Modulating IL-1 offers potential therapeutic strategies for neurological diseases.

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