Article révisé par les pairs
Résumé : We have investigated which areas produce interleukin 6 (IL 6) in human tonsils. This growth factor is required for the terminal differentiation of B lymphocytes into plasmocytes. Using 35S‐labeled IL 6 cDNA we demonstrated IL 6 gene expression over various areas of the tonsils, with consistent exception of the follicles, by in situ hybridization. It is, therefore, proposed that B cells are stimulated during their migration out of the follicles. Copyright © 1989 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim