INVOLVEMENT OF CYTOKINES IN CACHEXIA INDUCED BY T-CELL LEUKEMIA IN THE RAT

The objective of this study was to investigate the involvement of cyto kines (IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-alpha) in cachexia induced by T-cell leukaem ia in the rat, Leukaemic rats exhibited a marked and significant incre ase in circulating IL-6 concentration from days 12 - 17 corresponding to the period of weight loss after induction of leukaemia. IL-6 plasma bioactivity correlated significantly with spleen weight and weight lo ss, implicating IL-6 in the cachectic response. In contrast, IL-1 and TNF-alpha plasma bioactivities were not increased compared to control rats, indicating that these cytokines are not circulating mediators of cachexia induced by T-cell leukaemia in the rat. These data suggest t hat IL-6 produced by the host may contribute to cachexia induced by T- cell leukaemia.