In vivo production of interleukin-10 by non-T cells in rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, and systemic lupus erythematosus. A potential mechanism of B lymphocyte hyperactivity and autoimmunity.
OBJECTIVE
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a potent stimulator of B lymphocytes in vitro. In vivo dysregulation of IL-10 gene expression was therefore analyzed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).


METHODS
Spontaneous production of IL-10 by peripheral blood mononuclear cells was measured using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in untreated patients with either RA (n = 10), SS (n = 10), or SLE (n = 10), and in 15 normal control subjects.


RESULTS
IL-10 production was dramatically higher in RA, SS, and SLE patients than in controls. In each group, both B lymphocytes and monocytes, but not T lymphocytes, produced IL-10.


CONCLUSIONS
IL-10 production is increased in RA, SS, and SLE. It may play a role in B lymphocyte hyperactivity and in the development of autoimmunity.
Llorente
L
L
Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, México, D.F., México.
Richaud-Patin
Y
Y
Fior
R
R
Alcocer-Varela
J
J
Wijdenes
J
J
Fourrier
B M
BM
Galanaud
P
P
Emilie
D
D
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D001483:Base Sequence; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006801:Humans; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009000:Monocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016753:Interleukin-10