Interleukin 1--a possible mediator of neural fibrosis in leprosy.
Neural fibrosis in leprosy, the disease caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium, Mycobacterium leprae, is closely related to the cell-mediated immune response to this microorganism. The fibrosis appears to be due to soluble mediators released by the immune effector cells. Interleukin 1, a macrophage product that stimulates fibroblast migration, proliferation and synthetic activity, possesses the requisite properties to qualify for such a mediator.
D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007918:Leprosy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D007375:Interleukin-1