The effects of methotrexate on interleukin 1 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The effect of methotrexate (MTX) treatment on patients with rheumatoid arthritis on interleukin 1 (IL-1) was evaluated. Eight patients received a weekly MTX dose of 7.5 mg for 6 weeks; none received concomitant corticosteroids. Peripheral blood was obtained 1 day before and 1 day after their weekly MTX dose at Week 1 and 6, isolated monocytes stimulated ex vivo with 1 mg/ml zymosan for 18 h and IL-1 measured by bioassay. Serum and plasma IL-1 levels were measured by immunoassay. Four patients manifested a sharp decrease in IL-1 production 6 weeks after MTX administration associated with a decrease in the number of painful but not swollen joints. No effect on blood levels was observed. Our results suggest that MTX may affect IL-1 production and IL-1 mediated events in some patients.
Chang
D M
DM
Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC.
Weinblatt
M E
ME
Schur
P H
PH
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000097:blood* / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D008727:Methotrexate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009000:Monocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D015054:Zymosan / Q000494:pharmacology
D007375:Interleukin-1; D015054:Zymosan; D008727:Methotrexate