INTERLEUKIN-1 AND NOCICEPTION IN THE RAT

It has recently become accepted that several cytokines may affect peri pheral and central nervous system functions. Consistently with these f indings, accumulating evidence points toward an important role for int erleukin-l in the modulation of nociceptive information. Here we revie w the observations collected after the administration of this cytokine by intracerebroventricular, intrathecal or peripheral route in rats. Taken together, these data suggest that IL-1 can differently affect pa in responsivity depending on the dose and the site of action, and clea rly demonstrate that this immune factor is deeply involved in the modu lation of neuronal functions. (C) 1998 Wiley-Liss,Inc.