Inhibition of interleukin-1-induced collagenase production in human articular chondrocytes in vitro by recombinant human interferon-gamma.

The production of collagenase by human articular chondrocytes in response to interleukin-1 beta is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by interferon-gamma (1-1,000 units/ml). The analysis of culture medium samples by Western blotting and the measurement of levels of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases suggest that the decrease in measurable collagenase activity is primarily due to the inhibition of procollagenase production. These results provide evidence of a role for interferon-gamma in limiting connective tissue degradation.