title: Molecular mechanisms of actions of interleukin-6 on the brain, with special reference to serotonin and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis.
abstract: Biological activities of the multifunctional cytokine, interleukin-6 (IL-6) include stimulation of B cell proliferation, immunoglobulin production, and initiation of the acute-phase response. IL-6 affects the CNS in that it activates the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and increases brain tryptophan and serotonin metabolism. IL-6 has been proposed as an important mediator of interaction between the neuroendocrine and immune systems. The peripheral and central effects of IL-6 are presumably mediated through its membrane receptor (IL-6R). IL-6, IL-6R and their respective mRNAs have been detected in several brain regions. Although the functions of cytokines overlap considerably, each displays its own characteristic properties. Expression of IL-6 in the brain has been observed in several CNS disorders, some of which have been associated with disorders of serotonin metabolism. It is proposed that interactions between IL-6 and brain serotonin is a complex process which involves corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and opioid peptides. It is likely that the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of IL-6 on the HPA axis and its other brain functions involve the integrated effects of glutamate, Ca2+, 3',5'-cyclic AMP, protein kinase C, and other metabolic pathways.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Louisiana State University Medical Center, Shreveport 71130-3932, USA.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Barkhudaryan
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Dunn
mesh_terms: D000302:Adrenal Cortex / Q000187:drug effects*; D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects*; D015850:Interleukin-6 / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015850:Interleukin-6; D012701:Serotonin