Effect of insulin on the production of interleukin 2 by T lymphocytes.

The effect of insulin on interleukin 2 (IL-2) production was investigated. The results showed that insulin alone did not stimulate the resting T lymphocytes to produce IL-2, but enhanced the production of IL-2 by T lymphocytes and interleukin 1 (IL-1) by macrophages in the presence of lectin. Insulin augmented the response of T lymphocytes to IL-1 in the presence of Con A. The peak time of IL-2 production was not affected by insulin.