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Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Burn Injury-Induced Pain and Depression-Like Behavior in Mice
Published on: September 29, 2021
The HPA-axis and immune function in burnout
Paula M C Mommersteeg1, Cobi J Heijnen, Annemieke Kavelaars
1Laboratory for Psychoneuroimmunology, Division of Perinatology and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 AB, Utrecht, The Netherlands. P.M.C.Mommersteeg@uvt.nl
Abstract:
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.
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