Beta-endorphin secretion by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells: regulation by glucocorticoids.
Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), a 41-aminoacid neuropeptide, can induce lymphocytes to production of beta-endorphin (beta E). Furthermore, the neuropeptide Arginine-Vasopressin (AVP) can enhance CRF-induced production of beta E. We have demonstrated that CRF acts by stimulating monocytes to production of the cytokine interleukin-1 (IL-1). IL-1 can in its turn activate the lymphocytes to secretion of beta E. Here we demonstrate that the glucocorticoid analogue dexamethasone is capable of modulating CRF-induced beta E secretion by lymphocytes. It appeared that dexamethasone can inhibit secretion of lymphocyte-derived beta E. The mechanism by which dexamethasone exerts its inhibitory activity is by blocking CRF-induced production of IL-1, thereby preventing induction of beta E secretion by B cells. These results support the concept that peptide hormones and glucocorticoids are mediating a reciprocal modulation of neuroendocrine and immunological activities.
Kavelaars
A
A
Dept. of Immunology, University Hospital for Children and Youth "Het Wilhelmina Kinderziekenhuis", Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Ballieux
R E
RE
Heijnen
C J
CJ
D001127:Arginine Vasopressin / Q000502:physiology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone / Q000502:physiology; D003907:Dexamethasone; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000096:biosynthesis; D009000:Monocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D001615:beta-Endorphin / Q000378:metabolism*
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D007375:Interleukin-1; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D001127:Arginine Vasopressin; D001615:beta-Endorphin; D003907:Dexamethasone; D003346:Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone