THE KINETICS OF CYTOKINE PRODUCTION BY DRAINING LYMPH-NODE CELLS FOLLOWING PRIMARY EXPOSURE OF MICE TO CHEMICAL ALLERGENS

Skin sensitization with chemical allergens is associated with the acti vation and proliferation of lymphocytes in lymph nodes draining the si te of exposure. As lymphocyte activation is regulated by the action of cytokines, we have investigated the nature and kinetics of cytokine p roduction by draining lymph node cells (LNC) from mice, following thei r primary exposure to chemical allergens. Both interleukin-1 (IL-1) an d IL-6 were induced in a biphasic manner following primary exposure of mice to oxazolone or to dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (HMDI). The initial phase of production occurred when LNC were prepared from mice 8-20 hr following exposure, while the second peak was coincident with the maximal proliferative response at 72 hr. Increased IL-4 produ ction was observed only when LNC were prepared 96 hr following sensiti zation. Despite vigorous lymphocyte proliferation there was no evidenc e for IL-2 production by draining LNC. The ordered and transient patte rn of cytokine production that occurs during the afferent phase of con tact sensitization suggests that sequential cytokine signals may be in volved in regulating the characteristics of the response generated wit hin the draining lymph node.