Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 28, 2026

The Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Inducing Anhedonia in Mice
Published on: October 24, 2018
TNF-alpha and psychologically stressful events in healthy subjects: potential relevance for multiple sclerosis
Patrice H Lalive1, Pierre R Burkhard, Michel Chofflon
1Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland. patrice.lalive@hcuge.ch
Abstract:
The authors conducted a prospective and descriptive pilot study in 14 healthy medical students, investigating whether a psychologically stressful event (final examination) may modify serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) levels. There was a dramatic and sustained decrease of phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced TNF-alpha several weeks before and the day of the examination, followed by a significant increase of TNF-alpha starting the next day. Examination-induced stress was confirmed by both elevated urinary cortisol concentration and significant increase in stress scale scores. Extending these results to patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) leads to the hypothesis that psychological stress may influence the course of MS by substantially altering TNF-alpha levels, and suggests the need for further studies in MS patients exposed to stressful conditions.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychological Responses to Stress
Multiple Sclerosis l: Introduction
Psychoneuroimmunology: Diabetes and Cancer
Traumatic Memory

