Production of interleukin-1 by draining lymph node cells during the induction phase of contact sensitization in mice.

Biologically active interleukin-1 (IL-1) has been detected in supernatants of draining lymph node cells isolated from contact-sensitized mice. Induction of IL-1 was dependent upon the concentration of sensitizer applied and occurred within 2 hr of exposure. The IL-1 activity could not be attributed to other interleukins and was neutralized by a specific antiserum. Reduced concentrations of IL-1 were produced by cells isolated from the draining nodes of mice that had been pre-exposed to the sensitizer. Since IL-1 has the potential to influence several aspects of lymphocyte activation, the production of significant concentrations of biologically active IL-1 by draining lymph node cells indicates that it is likely to play an important role in the afferent phase of contact sensitization.