Three days after an acute myocardial infarction, a patient's serum shows markedly elevated C-reactive protein. Which cytokine is the principal inducer of hepatic CRP synthesis in the acute phase response?
- A IL-6 ✓
- B TNF-alpha
- C IL-1 beta
- D IFN-gamma
Correct answer: A. IL-6
Explanation
IL-6 is the dominant stimulus for hepatocyte production of acute phase reactants such as CRP, serum amyloid C, and fibrinogen. IL-1 and TNF contribute to fever and endothelial activation and can augment the response, but IL-6 alone drives most hepatic CRP synthesis clinically. IFN-gamma is a macrophage activating cytokine of Th1 immunity and plays no significant role here.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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