Short Paper: Leukotrien B₄-induced lnterleukin-1β in Synovial Cells from Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

We examined the role of Leukotrien B₄(LTB₄) in the production of Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) by rheumatoid synovial cells since a substantial amount of LTB₄ has been detected in the synovial fluid from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The production of IL-1β was augmented by LTB₄ at concentrations of 10⁻⁹ to 10⁻⁸ M. Furthermore, LTB₄ showed the additive effect on the IL-1β production with interferon-γ but not with lipopolysaccharide. These results suggest that LTB₄ in cooperation with certain cytokines might play a pivotal role in the IL-1β production by rheumatoid synovial cells in vivo.

Key Words:

• rheumatoid arthritis
• Leukotrien B₄
• Interleukin-1β