Excessive production of interleukin 6/B cell stimulatory factor-2 in rheumatoid arthritis

Eur J Immunol. 1988 Nov;18(11):1797-801. doi: 10.1002/eji.1830181122.

Abstract

High levels of interleukin 6 (IL 6/B cell stimulatory factor-2) were detected in synovial fluids from the joints of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The cells found in freshly isolated synovial fluid constitutively expressed IL 6 mRNA. The synovial tissues obtained by joint biopsy were also found to produce IL 6 in vitro. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that CD2+ T cells as well as CD20+ blastoid B cells in the synovial tissues produce IL 6. The data indicate that IL 6 is generated constitutively in RA and its overproduction may explain the local as well as the generalized symptoms of RA, since IL 6 can function as B cell growth and differentiation factor as well as hepatocyte-stimulating factor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antigens, CD20
  • Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte / analysis
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / analysis
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology*
  • CD2 Antigens
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukins / biosynthesis*
  • Interleukins / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • Receptors, Immunologic / analysis
  • Synovial Fluid / immunology
  • Synovial Membrane / immunology

Substances

  • Antigens, CD20
  • Antigens, Differentiation, B-Lymphocyte
  • Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte
  • CD2 Antigens
  • Interleukin-6
  • Interleukins
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Receptors, Immunologic