LEUKOTRIEN B-4-INDUCED INTERLEUKIN-1-BETA IN SYNOVIAL-CELLS FROM PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS

We examined the role of Leukotrien B-4(LTB(4)) in the production of In terleukin-1 beta p(IL-1 beta) by rheumatoid synovial cells since a sub stantial amount of LTB, has been detected in the synovial fluid from p atients with rheumatoid arthritis. The production of IL-IP was augment ed by LTB4 at concentrations of 10(-9) to 10(-8) M. Furthermore, LTB4 showed the additive effect on the IL-1 beta production with interferon -gamma but not with lipopolysaccharide. These results suggest that LTB , in cooperation with certain cytokines might play a pivotal role in t he IL1 beta production by rheumatoid synovial cells in vivo.