The HPA-axis and immune function in burnout.
Burnout results from chronic work stress. Its complaints may be related to HPA-axis disturbances or changes in immune function. In our studies the salivary cortisol awakening response, day-curve, and the suppressed level after dexamethasone intake were not different in a burned-out group compared to a control group. Nor was there a change in cortisol after a treatment period. Higher levels of DHEAS and the monocyte released anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 were observed, however T-cell stimulated and dexamethasone inhibited cytokine release were not affected. The increased IL-10 level may be related to an increased sensitivity for infections.
Laboratory for Psychoneuroimmunology, Division of Perinatology and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 AB, Utrecht, The Netherlands. P.M.C.Mommersteeg@uvt.nl
Paula M C
PM
Mommersteeg
Cobi J
CJ
Heijnen
Annemieke
A
Kavelaars
Lorenz J P
LJ
van Doornen
D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000276:immunology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000378:metabolism; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000378:metabolism; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism
D016207:Cytokines; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone