OBJECTIVES
To elucidate the potential role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of cardiomyopathy and myocarditis.
BACKGROUND
Experimental studies show that certain cytokines depress myocardial contractility and that tumour necrosis factor-alpha plays an important part in the pathogenesis of myocardial injury in animal models of viral and autoimmune myocarditis.
METHODS
Plasma interleukin 1-alp...
