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Abstract Since the initial disription in 1972 oflymphocyte activation factor ( Gery et al; 1972 ) a number of related peptide mediators that promot the proliferation, differentiation, and maturation of hematopoetic cell have been discovered. This family of mediators are termed cytokines. It contains about 30 members or more and is involved in the control of immune responce, inflammatory reactions, and hematopoiesis. 4 The term cytokines origiaated with Cohen, who initially described cytokines as Soluble mediator produced by lymphoid and non lumphoid cells that exert a specific effect on target cells (cohen et al; 1989 ). The number of cell types known to produce cytokines has grown considerably in the past few years to include lymphocyte, macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, platelets, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, endothelial stroma, trophoblasts, and chorioamnion. Cytokines function as intercellular signals between various cells of the immune system similar to classical hormones. |