Localization of interleukin-1 beta in human periodontal tissue.

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is the predominant form of IL-1 produced by macrophages. IL-1 beta possesses numerous and diverse biological activities. Several of these activities, including fibroblast proliferation, potentiation of the immune response, and stimulation of bone resorption may be of relevance to the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. This study was designed to examine the presence of IL-1 beta in human periodontal tissue. An antiserum directed against the N-terminal segment (117-131) of human IL-1 beta was used to detect IL-1 beta using immunofluorescent staining techniques. IL-1 beta positive staining cells were observed in both normal and diseased tissue and were limited to the lamina propria. Brightly staining cells were increased by almost 3-fold in periodontally diseased tissue when compared to normal tissue. Low intensity staining cells were equally distributed in the normal and diseased specimens. We propose that IL-1 beta and IL-1 beta produced by cells in periodontal tissues may be related to the pathological processes associated with periodontal disease.