interleukin-6

Pronunciation: in'ter-lu'kin

Definition: A cytokine derived from macrophages and endothelial cells that increases synthesis and secretion of immunoglobulins by B lymphocytes; also induces acute-phase proteins. In hepatocytes, it induces acute-phase reactants.

Synonym(s): B-cell stimulatory factor 2, interferon-ß2

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