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Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay
Published on: March 2, 2011
Detection of interleukin-1 beta in human periapical lesions
R A Barkhordar1, M Z Hussain, C Hayashi
1Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of California, San Francisco.
Insights
Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), a key inflammatory mediator, was detected in human periapical lesions. This finding suggests IL-1 beta plays a role in the bone resorption associated with these lesions.
Area of Science:
- Oral biology
- Immunology
- Bone physiology
Background:
- Interleukins modulate bone cell activity, with Interleukin-1 (IL-1) stimulating bone resorption.
- Monocytes and macrophages are primary producers of IL-1.
- Periapical lesions contain diverse inflammatory cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) activity in human periapical lesions.
- To investigate the role of IL-1 beta in periapical bone resorption.
Main Methods:
- Eight human periapical lesions and control pulp tissues were analyzed.
- Specimens were quick-frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen.
- IL-1 beta activity was quantified using a specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Main Results:
- Significant IL-1 beta activity was found in periapical samples (mean 604.4 +/- 563.0 pg/mg protein).
- Normal pulp tissue exhibited no detectable IL-1 beta activity.
- A strong correlation between IL-1 beta presence and bone resorption was implied.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin-1 beta is locally produced and released within inflammatory periapical lesions.
- IL-1 beta is a key mediator of bone resorption in periapical disease.
- Targeting IL-1 beta may offer therapeutic strategies for periapical lesions.
Abstract:
Interleukins are involved in modulating bone cell activity. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been shown to be potent stimuli of bone resorption in organ culture. This hormone-peptide is produced primarily by monocytes and macrophages. Diverse inflammatory cell types are clearly present in periapical lesions. The purpose of this study was to detect IL-1 beta activity in human periapical lesions. Eight human periapical lesions were examined for the presence of IL-1 beta. Pulp tissue of clinically impacted teeth were used as controls. Each specimen was quick-frozen and stored in liquid nitrogen. IL-1 beta activity was measured with, an IL-1 beta enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay that used monoclonal antibodies specific for IL-1 beta. Periapical samples exhibited significant activity of IL-1 beta (mean 604.4 +/- 563.0 pg/mg protein), whereas normal pulp had no activity. These results demonstrate that IL-1 beta is produced and released locally in inflammatory periapical lesions to mediate bone resorption.

