Interlukins are important substances produced by the immune system. These substances, first discovered in white blood cells, have been implicated in a number of basic brain functions, such as sleep, disorientation, the production of fever and coma. This research will explore the regulation of neuronal interlukin metabolism, a problem of paramount importance in neuroscience. Dr. Reichlin will develop separate cultures of neurons and glia cells to test the effects of molecular probes, and to study the factors which influence the synthesis and secretion of neuronal interlukins in the brain. Results from this study will aid in understanding the role of interlukins in the brain.
