MULTIPLE CYTOKINE ACTIVITIES AND LOSS OF INTERLEUKIN-2 INHIBITOR IN SYNOVIAL-FLUIDS OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

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  • 1 November 1988
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 15  (11) , 1623-1627
Abstract
Attempts to detect immune mediators in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluids (RA-SF) by bioassays have yielded conflicting results, and so we analyzed the immune reactions occurring within rheumatoid joints using monospecific immunoassays for cytokines such as interleukin 1.beta. (IL-1.beta.), interleukin 2 (IL-2) and gamma interferon (.gamma.-IFN). Furthermore, we examined the IL-2 inhibitors to clarify the immunoregulatory mechanism in the lesion. SF from active RA contained a significant amount of IL-1.beta. and IL-2 but not .gamma.-IFN. In contrast IL-2 inhibitor activity we depressed in RA-SF regardless of clinical disease activity. Our results suggest that cytokine overproduction and deficiency of inhibitory signals result in the overactivity of cytokines and the overactivity may participate in the joint lesions of RA.