Distribution and Regulation of Interleukin 1- β Converting Enzyme in Rat and Man

Brain inflammation plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis1 and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).2 Indeed, anti-inflammatory agents have been proposed as therapy for AD.3 The most prominent cytokine mediating inflammation is interleukin-1β (IL-1β).4 IL-1β is a product of microglia5 (the brain’s resident macrophage), and activated microglia are found in neuritic plaques in AD.6 Furthermore, IL-1β is known to stimulate the production of amyloid precursor protein,7 amyloid being a major constituent of the neuritic plaque.