The pattern of production of cytokine mRNAs is markedly altered at the onset of multiple sclerosis

Res Immunol. 1996 Sep;147(7):435-41. doi: 10.1016/s0923-2494(97)84408-2.

Abstract

Using two independent PCR-based quantification techniques, we have determined the levels of IL1 beta, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10, IFN gamma and TNF alpha mRNA in multiple sclerosis patients at the moment of diagnosis of the disease and prior to any immunosuppressive treatment. These patients exhibit markedly reduced IL2 and IL10 mRNA expression accompanied by decreased levels of TNF alpha mRNA. Our results add to the evidence that IL10 plays a role in multiple sclerosis and suggest that decreased production of this interleukin allows the proliferation of autoreactive T cells at the onset of the disease.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Cytokines / genetics*
  • HLA-DR2 Antigen
  • Humans
  • Interferon-gamma / genetics
  • Interferon-gamma / immunology
  • Interleukin-1 / genetics
  • Interleukin-1 / immunology
  • Interleukin-10 / genetics
  • Interleukin-10 / immunology
  • Interleukin-2 / genetics
  • Interleukin-2 / immunology
  • Interleukin-4 / genetics
  • Interleukin-4 / immunology
  • Interleukin-6 / genetics
  • Interleukin-6 / immunology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / etiology
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • RNA, Messenger / biosynthesis*
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / genetics
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / immunology

Substances

  • Cytokines
  • HLA-DR2 Antigen
  • Interleukin-1
  • Interleukin-2
  • Interleukin-6
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
  • Interleukin-10
  • Interleukin-4
  • Interferon-gamma