Interleukin 1 activity in culture supernatant of lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocytes from patients with chronic liver disease.

We have developed a monocyte function test to determine the Interleukin 1 activity in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocyte culture supernatant, with or without the addition of indomethacin, in order to investigate helper and suppressor functions of monocytes in patients with chronic liver disease. Release of Interleukin 1 from monocytes was increased in patients with liver cirrhosis (p less than 0.01). Activity of suppressor monocytes was increased both in patients with chronic active hepatitis (p less than 0.01 and in those with liver cirrhosis (p less than 0.001). Since these disorders in the immunoregulatory function of monocytes were enhanced with advancement of liver dysfunction, we conclude that the liver plays an important role in maintaining normal monocyte function, and that chronic liver disease probably relates to dysfunction of monocytes.