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Analysis of Cytokine Expression in Dermatology
Khusru Asadullah, MD;
Wolfram Sterry, MD;
Hans-Dieter Volk, MD
Arch Dermatol. 2002;138:1189-1196.
During the past decade, the detection of cytokines has been a focus
of scientific interest, including in dermatology. Dysregulation of cytokine
production seems to be involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. The
determination of cytokine levels is of increasing diagnostic importance, and
cytokines are used as therapeutic agents too. Cytokines are polypeptides secreted
by a wide variety of cells in response to diverse stimuli, and mediate autocrine,
paracrine, or endocrine effects that are often pleiotropic and redundant.
Their molecular weight lies between 6 and 70 kd. The cytokines of immunologic
relevance are primarily those that are formed by immune cells (monokines and
lymphokines) and/or influence their function. In principle, cytokines are
detectable on 3 levels: (1) By using polymerase chain reaction, the messenger
RNA expression of cytokine genes can be detected and, with the newer techniques,
even quantified. (2) Protein synthesis can be detected by using bioassays
and enzyme immunoassays or immunocytologic or immunohistologic detection of
intracellular cytokine production. (3) Finally, there are indirect methods
for the detection of cytokine formation by analysis of products of cytokine
activity. The immunobiological features of cytokines and the different approaches
for cytokine determination are briefly discussed herein because basic knowledge
of these biologically highly active messenger substances and the capabilities
and limits of the individual detection methods are essential for a sensible
interpretation of the relevant findings.
From Corporate Research Business Area Dermatology, Schering AG (Dr
Asadullah), and the Departments of Dermatology and Allergology (Dr Sterry)
and Medical Immunology (Dr Volk), University Hospital Charité, Berlin
Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany.
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ABSTRACT
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