Cytokines - killers in the brain?

There is now considerable evidence to suggest that specific cytokines, particularly IL-1, are involved directly in neuronal death resulting from diverse insults and diseases. The mechanisms of these effects are not yet fully understood, but probably include complex actions on several types of brain cells and physiological systems. In addition to the involvement of IL-1 in acute neurodegeneration, circumstantial evidence also implicates this cytokine in chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Inhibition of the synthesis or actions of cytokines therefore provides an attractive therapeutic approach to the treatment of both acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions.