Abstract
Stimulation of the immune system results in the production and release of substances from activated monocytes and macrophages called cytokines. One the most important of these cytokines is interleukin-1 β (IL-lβ), which has been shown to play a key role in the immune response by promoting the proliferation of T-cells, inducing the secretion of IL-2, and stimulating the function of B-cells and natural killer cells. In addition, IL-lβ is important in the inflammatory response by promoting leukocyte infiltration and pro- staglandin synthesis, which can lead to joint swelling and tissue destruction.1 IL-lβ also exerts profound effects on both the central nervous system and the endocrine system. The activation of thermosensitive neurons contained within the hypothalamic preoptic nucleus, together with the stimulation of hepatocytes to release acute phase reactant proteins leads to the production of fever. In addition, IL-lβ has been reported to enhance slow wave sleep patterns, influence food intake, and alter neuroendocrine activity.2 Recently, IL-lβ was shown to be related to the release of vasopressin and oxytocin.3 Clearly, intake of an exogenous factor, such as morphine, which may alter the production of this cytokine, can have deleterious effects on the neuro-endocrine-immune system as a whole.
Published Version
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