Pharmacokinetics of lymphocyte-derived and recombinant DNA-derived interleukin-2 after intravenous administration to patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Abstract

Intravenous infusions of 250,000 U of lymphocyte-derived or recombinant DNA-derived interleukin-2 (IL-2) were administered to patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and sera were obtained for pharmacokinetic studies. A methodology was developed for the determination of serum levels of interleukin-2, which resulted in a coefficient of variation of less than 8% and a sensitivity 32-fold greater than that of the traditional methodology using probit analysis of half-maximal stimulation. In addition to the previously described rapid clearance of IL-2, a later phase of interleukin-2 clearance with a half-life greater than 90 min was observed; bioactive interleukin-2 remained in the circulation for several hours after infusion.