Effects of recombinant human interleukin-1β on rabbit articular chondrocytes

Using an in vitro model, we characterized the production of prostaglandin E₂, 6-keto-prostaglandin F_1α, and thromboxane B₂ by normal rabbit articular chondrocytes stimulated by interleukin-1β. The prostanoids were produced in a dose- and time-dependent manner, which was sensitive to actinomycin D and cycloheximide. Interleukin-1 also had a pronounced, but reversible, cytostatic effect on chondrocytes, which was not attributable to prostanoid or polyamine synthesis.