Effect of glucocorticoid deficiency after adrenalectomy on antitumor immunity
1Department of Surgery II, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Abstract:
We studied the effect of corticosterone after adrenalectomy on antitumor immunity in immunogenic tumors in mice. Antitumor immunity in the glucocorticoid deficient adrenalectomized mice (ADX mice) examined via comitant immunity and cytotoxic activity of spleen cells was compromised. Antitumor immunity was detected in ADX mice receiving sufficient supplementary doses of corticosterone. Loaded stress compromised the cytotoxic activity of the spleen cells in the ADX mice receiving adequate corticosterone, and the failure also contributed to the glucocorticoid deficiency because the activity was not affected by stress in the sham ADX mice. A matured effector cell activity was transferred to the glucocorticoid deficient ADX mice. We conclude that glucocorticoid deficiency compromises the antitumor immune response and that glucocorticoid might play an important role in the maturation of immunocompetent cells.
Insights
Glucocorticoid deficiency impairs antitumor immunity in mice. Supplementation with corticosterone restored immune response, highlighting glucocorticoids
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Oncology
Background:
- Glucocorticoids are critical for immune system regulation.
- Adrenalectomy (ADX) leads to glucocorticoid deficiency.
- The role of glucocorticoids in antitumor immunity requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of corticosterone on antitumor immunity in adrenalectomized mice.
- To determine the effect of stress on immune cell function in glucocorticoid-deficient states.
Main Methods:
- Surgical adrenalectomy and sham adrenalectomy in mice.
- Assessment of concomitant immunity and spleen cell cytotoxic activity.
- Administration of supplementary corticosterone to adrenalectomized mice.
Main Results:
- Adrenalectomized mice exhibited compromised antitumor immunity.
- Corticosterone supplementation restored antitumor immunity in adrenalectomized mice.
- Stress impaired spleen cell cytotoxic activity in corticosterone-supplemented adrenalectomized mice, but not in sham-operated mice.
Conclusions:
- Glucocorticoid deficiency significantly compromises antitumor immune responses.
- Glucocorticoids are essential for the maturation and function of immunocompetent cells involved in antitumor immunity.
- Stress exacerbates immune deficits in glucocorticoid deficiency.
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