[Quantitative analysis of cytokines and its problems].

Current features of interleukins and cytokines are summarized with emphasis laid on their biological significance. Based on the biological activities of these cytokines, a variety of bioassays for the detection and quantitation methods have been developed. Simple and useful bioassays using cytokine-dependent cell lines are introduced. In particular, bioassays on IL 1, IL 2, IL 4, IL 5 and IL 6 are illustrated in detail. Recent developments on the various immunoassays (ELISA and RIA), which are more specific to each cytokine, are reported. In addition, the problems and limitations of these assay methods are pointed out.