Cachectin/Tumor Necrosis Factor and the Pituitary-Adrenal Axis
Abstract
Preliminary studies investigating immune-neuroendocrine interactions have yielded several interesting and novel findings. Intravenous injections of low doses of TNF (0.01-0.10 mg/kg) in unanesthetized animals resulted in significant elevations in circulating ACTH and corticosterone. These low doses of TNF did not produce changes in mean pressure but did increase heart rate within 5-10 minutes post-injection. In vitro, TNF was shown to inhibit ACTH- stimulated corticosterone adrenal cells. Similarly, TNF inhibited TSH-stimulated thyroglobulin release from cultured thyroid cells. TNF was without effect on the basal secretion of corticosterone or thyroglobulin. This finding represents a significant and new interaction between the immune and endocrine systems. Furthermore, the remarkable inhibitory effect of TNF on stimulated adrenal and thyroid hormone release may have relevance in clinical situations when TNF levels are high (e.g. critical illness, malignancy) and endocrine function is suppressed ('slick euthyroid syndrome').
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 06, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA206571
Entities
People
- Diana S. Malcom
- Merrily Poth
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences