Contact hypersensitivity induces plasma interleukin 6.
Previous studies in this laboratory have revealed that elicitation reactions in contact-sensitized mice correlate closely with elevations in the serum concentration of acute-phase proteins. Regulation of the hepatic synthesis of acute-phase proteins is one of the many biological functions ascribed to interleukin 6 (IL-6). We now provide evidence that contact reactions are also associated with a rapid and substantial increase in the plasma concentration of IL-6. Quantitative assessment of plasma IL-6 may provide a useful serological method for the evaluation of experimental allergic contact dermatitis in mice, and possibly in other species.
Kimber
I
I
ICI Central Toxicology Laboratory, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK.
Cumberbatch
M
M
Humphreys
M
M
Hopkins
S J
SJ
D000818:Animals; D003877:Dermatitis, Contact / Q000097:blood*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000097:blood*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C
D015850:Interleukin-6