Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta. Two possible mediators of allergic inflammation.

Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-2-(IL-2) were measured in 19 atopic subjects and in 8 healthy controls. TNF-alpha concentration was increased in atopic subjects and the increase was correlated with the severity of the disease in patients affected by atopic dermatitis. Increased plasma levels of IL-1 beta were found only in symptomatic asthmatic subjects. No increase of serum IL-2 concentration was found in atopic subjects. The data suggest a possible role of TNF- alpha and IL-1 beta in the pathophysiological mechanism of the allergic inflammation.