Interleukin-6

Question

Interleukin-6
A) functions as an endogenous pyrogen.
B) stimulates the release of prostaglandins within the hypothalamus.
C) decreases plasma iron concentrations
D) two of these.
E) all of these.

Accepted Answer

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine involved in various aspects of the immune response, inflammation, and fever. It functions as an endogenous pyrogen, meaning it can induce fever by acting on the hypothalamus to increase body temperature. IL-6 stimulates the release of prostaglandins within the hypothalamus, which are part of the mechanism that raises the set point for body temperature during fever. Additionally, IL-6 influences the metabolism of iron by reducing its plasma concentration, which is a defense mechanism against bacterial infections as many bacteria require iron for growth. Therefore, all of the statements about IL-6 are correct.