Clinical Significance:
The Interleukins belong to the family termed cytokines. They are peptides used by immune and inflammatory cells to communicate and control cell operations. The cytokines have some similar actions to the Growth Factors but Growth Factors regulate proliferation of non-immune cells. Interleukin 1a is a 17,500 molecular weight peptide derived primarily from macrophages, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and B cells. The major target cells are T and B cells, Fibroblasts, and Hepatocytes. Interleukin 1a shares a receptor with Interleukin 1b although they are significantly different structurally. Interleukin 1a promotes antigen specific immune responses, inflammation, Prostaglandin secretion, Colony Stimulating Factors, proteoglycanase, collagenase, and gelatinase activity, and release of Interleukin 2 from T cells. Levels are stimulated by liposaccharide, endotoxins, inflammatory agents, lectin, Tumor Necrosis Factor, and Interferons. Levels are suppressed by Corticosteroids, Prostaglandin E2, and suppressant lymphocytes.
Reference Range:
Reference Range available by report.
Procedure:
Interleukin 1a is measured by enzyme immunoassay.
Patient Preparation:
Patient should not be on any Corticosteroids, anti-inflammatory medications or pain killers, if possible, for at least 48 hours prior to collection of specimen.
Specimen Collection:
3 ml serum or EDTA plasma should be collected and separated as soon as possible. Freeze specimen immediately after separation. Minimum specimen size is 1 ml.
Special Specimens:
For tumor/tissue and various fluids (i.e. CSF, peritoneal, synovial, etc.) contact the Institute for requirements and special handling.
Shipping Instructions:
Ship specimens frozen in dry ice.
References:
1. JT Whicher and SW Evans. Cytokines in Disease. Clinical Chemistry 36: 1269-1281, 1990.
2. MP Bevilacqua, JS Pober, GR Majeau, W Fiers, RS Cotran, and MA Gimbrone. Recombinant Tumor Necrosis Factor Induced Pro-Coagulant Activity in Cultured Human Vascular Endothelium: Characterization and Comparison with Action of Interleukin-1. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science 83: 4533-4537, 1986.