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We studied the cytokines IL(interleukin)-1 β, IL-4, IL-6 and IL-8 in nasal lavage samples from 20 patients with naturally acquired viral rhinitis and 5 healthy controls without nasal complaints. IL-1 β, IL-6 and IL-8 levels in lavage fluid from the viral rhinitis patients were significantly elevated when compared to control subjects. IL-4 was not measurable in any of the samples. The cytokine levels in secretions from the healthy controls remained stable intraindividually on 5 consecutive sampling days. We suggest that cytokines such as IL-1 β, IL-6 and IL-8, but not IL-4, are involved in the pathophysiology of the common cold. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]