Increased interleukin II production during kidney allograft rejection.

Abstract

We have studied the lectin-induced production of Interleukin II (IL-2) by peripheral blood leucocytes (PBL) obtained from recipients of kidney grafts. Pre-graft values (haemodialysed patients) are similar to those of healthy individuals. After grafting and during the first year the IL-2 levels produced by PBL from recipients with well functioning grafts are very low (p less than 0.001). Years after grafting the IL-2 yields tend towards restoration. At the onset of an acute rejection the IL-2 production rises significantly. These data show that an increase in IL-2 production may play a role in the rejection process.