INCREASED SERUM IGE LEVEL AND INTERLEUKIN-4 RELEASE FROM CULTURED LYMPHOCYTES FROM A PATIENT WITH ADULT-ONSET STILLS DISEASE

Objective-To evaluate the relationship between high serum levels of Ig E and the release of interleukin-4 (IL-4) from cultured lymphocytes of a patient with adult onset Still's disease. Methods-IL-4 concentratio ns in plasma and culture from inactivated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were assessed by enzyme immunoassay during febrile episodes and remission. Results-A high level of IL-4 was detected by enzyme immuno assay in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells cultured from the pati ent. These seemed to correspond with a febrile episode and a high seru m IgE concentration. Conclusion-increased serum IgE concentrations dur ing a febrile episode are rare in patients with adult onset Still's di sease, but the relationship between the high. levels of serum IgE and IL-4 in cultured lymphocytes may provide clues to pathogenesis of the condition.