Catecholamines trigger IL-10 release in acute systemic stress reaction by direct stimulation of its promoter/enhancer activity in monocytic cells.

Acute stress reactions (e.g. linked with trauma, major surgery, psychic stress and myocardial infarction) are accompanied with temporary systemic release of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 followed by immunodepression. Since an association between activation of the sympathetic system and IL-10 release has been described, we studied the influence of catecholamines on its promoter activity in vitro. Using reporter gene assays we demonstrated that catecholamines in monocytic cells directly stimulate the IL-10 promoter/enhancer via a cAMP/protein kinase A-dependent pathway. A cAMP responsive element was identified as major target. Thus, catecholamines are directly involved in the regulation of immunoresponsiveness under stressful conditions.