Alpha-interferon induces cortisol release by human adrenals in vitro.
It is at present not clear whether alpha interferon (INF-alpha) can participate in the control of glucocorticoid blood levels through direct action on the adrenal gland. In this study, the possible action of INF-alpha on cortisol release by adrenal tissue was tested in vitro. Slices of normal human adrenals were incubated with INF-alpha for 3 h at 37 degrees C in 95% air and 5% CO2. Cortisol release by adrenal tissue was stimulated by INF-alpha, showing a dose-response curve from 20 IU/ml, the lowest dose that gave a response, to a maximal dose of 60 IU/ml when the response reached a plateau. The effect of INF-alpha on cortisol liberation by adrenal tissue in vitro may be implied in neuroimmune regulatory interactions.
Cardoso
E
E
Departamento de Endocrinología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Arzt
E
E
Coumroglon
M
M
Andrada
E C
EC
Andrada
J A
JA
D000311:Adrenal Glands / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007370:Interferon Type I; D006854:Hydrocortisone