INTERLEUKIN-6 PRODUCTION BY DRAINING LYMPH-NODE CELLS FOLLOWING PRIMARY CONTACT SENSITIZATION OF MICE - RELATIONSHIP TO THE PROLIFERATIVE RESPONSE

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production and proliferative responses by drainin g lymph node cells were studied in mice exposed topically to a series of chemicals. Chemicals with the capacity to induce sensitisation, but not non-sensitisers, promoted both IL-6 production and lymph node cel l proliferation ex vivo. The responses exhibited similar kinetics, wer e dependent upon the dose of topically applied allergen, and correlate d significantly. We demonstrate that the main source of IL-6 within dr aining lymph nodes is not proliferating T lymphocytes. The induction o f a strong IL-6 response, and the relationship of this to cellular pro liferation indicate that production of this cytokine within the lymph node is closely associated with the induction of contact sensitivity i n mice.