Abstract
Objective: To examine the constitutive pattern of cytokine production in patients with polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM). Methods: PBMC secreting the type 1 cytokines IL-2 and IFNχ and the type 2 cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 were monitored by ELIspot assay. Results: The frequency of IFNγ-secreting PBMC was reduced 2 - 20 fold in patients with PM and DM when compared to normal controls (p <0.01). This change correlated inversely with disease activity (p <0.01). PM and DM were also characterized by increased numbers of cells secreting IL-10. Patients with DM had fewer IL-2 (p <0.03) and more IL-6 (p <0.006) secreting cells than normal controls or patients with other myopathies. Conclusions: Abnormal patterns of cytokine production characterize patients with PM and DM.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 485-491 |
| Number of pages | 7 |
| Journal | Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology |
| Volume | 14 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| State | Published - Sep 1996 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- cytokines
- dermatomyositis
- polymyositis
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Rheumatology
- Immunology