ABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess the role of interleukin-2 [IL-2] and IL-2 receptors [IL-2R] in the pathogenesis of rheumatic carditis. Three groups of children were studied. Group I included 15 children with active rheumatic carditis; Group II included 15 children with inactive rheumatic carditis and group III was composed of 20 healthy control children. Before phytohemagglutinin [PHA] stimulation, group I showed higher mean values of IL-2 and IL-2R than the other two groups. After stimulation, the control group had significantly higher mean values than both rheumatic groups. The mean percent change of IL-2 receptors was higher in controls compared to active and inactive rheumatic carditis. Thus, under resting conditions, there is increased production of IL-2 and IL-2R in rheumatic carditis. This increase is higher in active than in inactive disease. This underlying immunological abnormalities might lead to activation of helper T cells producing more immune complexes and producing tissue damage