Ontogeny and the effects of in utero brain ischemia on interleukin-1β and interleukin-6 protein expression in ovine cerebral cortex and white matter

► IL-1β and IL-6 exhibit developmental regulation in fetal brain. ► Expression of IL-1β and IL-6 increases in the brain of ewes with advancing gestation. ► IL-1β and IL-6 exhibit regional differences in normal fetal and maternal brain. ► IL-1β and IL-6 exhibit differential responses after ischemia in fetal cerebral cortex and white matter.