Skip to Content
Print Share
Medical Term:

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

© Copyright 2016 Wolters Kluwer. All Rights Reserved. Review Date: Sep 19, 2016.

Drugs.com Mobile Apps

The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Available for Android and iOS devices.

Explore Apps
Hide