THE ROLE OF CYTOKINES IN HEAT-STROKE

Heat stroke is a disease characterized by high fever. Cytokines such a s interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor -alpha (TNF-partial derivative) play a major role in fever production. In the current studies, eight patients with heat stroke were enrolled in a cytokine studies. Serum cytokine levels of these patients were d etermined by EIA methods, and in vitro IL-1 and IL-1 inhibitor product ion were determined by murine thymocyte proliferation assay and/or EIA . Significantly high levels of circulating IL-1, TNF-partial derivativ e, and IL-6 were demonstrated. Positive correlations were demonstrated between the body temperature and the level of IL-1 beta, and the cool ing time and level of serum IL-1 beta. In addition, monocytes from hea t stroke patients after complete recovery, secreted a much higher amou nt of IL-1 than did normal volunteers. However, there was no differenc e in IL-1 inhibitor production. These results indicate that cytokines may play a major role in the pathogenesis of heat stroke, and the abil ity to make different amounts of IL-1 in response to exogenous stimula tion appear to be risk factors for an attack of heat stroke.