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Interferon-alpha-2-induced stimulation of ACTH and cortisol secretion in man
1Department of Psychiatry, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, FRG.
Insights
Interferon-alpha 2 significantly increased adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B. This indicates interferon-alpha 2 acts as a mediator between the immune and endocrine systems.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is used to treat chronic hepatitis B.
- The impact of IFN-α on the human endocrine system requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the short-term effects of subcutaneous interferon-alpha 2 on plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol concentrations.
- To correlate these hormonal changes with interferon absorption in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Main Methods:
- Seven patients with chronic hepatitis B received a single subcutaneous dose of interferon-alpha 2 (3 x 10^6 IU).
- Plasma levels of ACTH, cortisol, and interferon-alpha were measured at 30-minute intervals over an 8-hour period.
- A control day without interferon treatment was included for each patient.
Main Results:
- Interferon-alpha plasma levels peaked approximately 4.7 hours post-injection.
- Both ACTH and cortisol levels showed significant increases in all patients.
- ACTH release increased by an average of 332% and cortisol release by 311%, with peak increases occurring 5.2 and 5.8 hours post-injection, respectively.
- These hormonal changes were not associated with fever or flu-like symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Interferon-alpha 2 administration leads to a notable short-term increase in ACTH and cortisol plasma concentrations in humans.
- These findings support the role of interferon-alpha 2 as a mediator connecting the immune and endocrine systems.
Abstract:
Short-term effects of interferon-alpha 2 on plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were measured in man in relation to interferon absorption. Interferon-alpha 2 was given subcutaneously at a dose of 3 x 10(6) IU at 17.00 h to 2 female and 5 male patients who suffered from chronic hepatitis B infection and who had not previously been treated with interferon. Plasma levels of ACTH, cortisol and interferon-alpha were determined at 30-min intervals between 16.00 and 24.00 h. In each patient a similar cortisol, ACTH and interferon-alpha profile was determined on a day, when no interferon-alpha treatment was given. Interferon-alpha plasma levels peaked around 21.30 h, i.e. 4.7 h after injection. In each patient ACTH and cortisol levels were increased. As calculated from the areas under the curves, ACTH release was increased by an average of 332% (maxima at about 22.00 h, i.e. 5.2 h post injection); cortisol release was increased by an average of 311% (maxima at about 23.00 h, 5.8 h post injection). These actions were not related to side effects like fever or other flu-like symptoms. Our findings confirm that in man as in animals interferon-alpha 2 can act as a mediator between the immune and endocrine system.