Defective production of leucocytic endogenous mediator (interleukin 1) by peripheral blood leucocytes of patients with systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and mixed connective tissue disease.

Abstract

Leucocytic endogenous mediator is one of the activities ascribed to the cytokine or family of cytokines known as interleukin 1. In this study we have examined the ability of circulating blood leucocytes from patients with rheumatic diseases to produce this mediator in vitro. Leucocytic endogenous mediator production was found to be significantly decreased below normal values (mean 107 units, s.e.m. +/- 25) in systemic sclerosis (-6 units +/- 18), systemic lupus erythematosus (-25 units +/- 13), rheumatoid arthritis (-3 units +/- 13) and mixed connective tissue disease (-4 units +/- 40). A control group of ill patients with cancer produced 57 units +/- 8.