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The possible beneficial effect of Interleukin-1 (IL-1) on nerve regeneration was studied using clinical, neurophysiological and histomorphological methods. The sciatic nerves of Wistar rats were transsected and the severed ends abutted, sewn together and covered with fibrin adhesive. In a second group the lumbar-sacral nerve roots were exposed, IL-1 was injected and compression of the nerve roots was carried out. The region surrounding the lesion was infused with either saline (controls) or IL-1 (treatment group) in both groups. Compared to the controls, the treated animals showed a significant improvement of nerve regeneration as measured by clinical and neurophysiological parameters. After 3 months of observation, the total number of myelinated axons distal to the site of lesion was increased, while the fiber diameter distribution was unchanged. It is likely that cloned IL-1 will soon become available for human treatment. The present results indicate that it may be worthwhile to investigate its usefulness in the treatment of peripheral nerve injury in primates and humans.