Effects of recombinant human interleukin-1 beta on rabbit articular chondrocytes. Stimulation of prostanoid release and inhibition of cell growth.

Using an in vitro model, we characterized the production of prostaglandin E2, 6-keto-prostaglandin F1 alpha, and thromboxane B2 by normal rabbit articular chondrocytes stimulated by interleukin-1 beta. The prostanoids were produced in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was sensitive to actinomycin D and cycloheximide. Interleukin-1 also had a pronounced, but reversible, cytostatic effect on chondrocytes, which was not attributable to prostanoid or polyamine synthesis.