Cytokines are important mediators of intestinal inflammation and the local and systemic manifestations associated with gut injury. This review focuses on recent developments in cytokine regulation and activities in experimental intestinal inflammation with emphasis on the balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The influence of local expression of interleukin-1 and its physiological antagonist, the interleukin-1 receptor antagonist, as well as T-helper lymphocyte subsets in determining the chronicity of intestinal inflammation and infection is discussed along with genetic determinants of these balances. The effects of interleukin-1 on physiologic abnormalities associated with inflammation are summarized. The mechanisms by which cytokines regulate tissue injury and mediate genetic susceptibility in experimental intestinal inflammation provide new insights into the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease.
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