Increased interleukin-4 production in response to mast cell mediators and human type I collagen in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Mast cell synovial hyperplasia can occur in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Histamine can accelerate synovitis and heparin can inhibit lymphocyte function. Since interleukin-4 (IL-4) can stimulate murine mast cell and IgE synthesis, we determined whether mast cell mediators and anti-IL-4 might effect lymphocyte proliferation from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Twenty-four patients with rheumatoid arthritis and nine normal controls were evaluated by history, physical examination, physican and patient-assessed joint and allergic symptoms, and diary scores