ABSTRACT
The acute-phase reaction comprises a variety of systemic changes in response to tissue
injury and infection. Synthesis of several plasma proteins in the liver undergoes
dramatic changes during the acute-phase reaction. These changes are mediated by the
action of cytokines, mainly interleukin 6-(IL6-) and interleukin 1-(IL1-) type cytokines.
The role of these cytokines is reviewed in detail. Attention is payed to the differences
recently detected between the locally and systemically induced acute-phase response-in
particular, the newest findings concerning the meaning of single cytokines. Also,
changes in liver metabolic enzyme expression under acute-phase conditions are discussed.
The impact ofcytokine and cytokine-receptor knockout or transgenic mouse models on
current knowledge is provided. The role of cytokines together with that of soluble
cytokine receptors in the resolution of the acute-phase response is discussed.
KEY WORDS
cytokines - acute-phase response - liver - inflammation
