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Interleukin 6 effects on the pituitary-thyroid axis in the rat
L Bartalena1, L Grasso, S Brogioni
1Istituto di Endocrinologia, University of Pisa, Italy.
European Journal of Endocrinology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) significantly reduces serum thyroid hormone levels, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This effect, observed in rats, was blocked by an IL-6 neutralizing antibody, confirming IL-6
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cytokines like interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are implicated in non-thyroidal illness (NTI) associated thyroid hormone changes.
- Interleukin-6 (IL-6) synthesis is a potential mediator of these cytokine-induced thyroid hormone alterations in NTI.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the direct role of IL-6 in modulating serum thyroid hormone concentrations.
- To determine if IL-6 mediates thyroid hormone changes observed in non-thyroidal illness.
Main Methods:
- Male Wistar rats were administered recombinant human IL-6 (rhIL-6) subcutaneously.
- Control groups received rhIL-6 preincubated with a neutralizing antibody or saline solution.
- Serum concentrations of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) were measured.
Main Results:
- Administration of rhIL-6 led to a significant decrease in serum T4 and T3 levels within 48 hours.
- The reduction in thyroid hormones was dose-dependent and statistically significant (p < 0.0001).
- Pre-incubation with an anti-IL-6 antibody prevented the observed decrease in thyroid hormones.
Conclusions:
- Interleukin-6 directly causes a significant reduction in serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine concentrations.
- IL-6 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of thyroid hormone disturbances seen in non-thyroidal illness.