The kinetics of cytokine production by draining lymph node cells following primary exposure of mice to chemical allergens.

Skin sensitization with chemical allergens is associated with the activation and proliferation of lymphocytes in lymph nodes draining the site of exposure. As lymphocyte activation is regulated by the action of cytokines, we have investigated the nature and kinetics of cytokine production by draining lymph node cells (LNC) from mice, following their primary exposure to chemical allergens. Both interleukin-1 (IL-1) and IL-6 were induced in a biphasic manner following primary exposure of mice to oxazolone or to dicyclohexylmethane-4,4'-diisocyanate (HMDI). The initial phase of production occurred when LNC were prepared from mice 8-20 hr following exposure, while the second peak was coincident with the maximal proliferative response at 72 hr. Increased IL-4 production was observed only when LNC were prepared 96 hr following sensitization. Despite vigorous lymphocyte proliferation there was no evidence for IL-2 production by draining LNC. The ordered and transient pattern of cytokine production that occurs during the afferent phase of contact sensitization suggests that sequential cytokine signals may be involved in regulating the characteristics of the response generated within the draining lymph node.