Neuroendocrine regulation of in vivo cytokine production and effects: I. In vivo regulatory networks involving the neuroendocrine system, interleukin-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

We have investigated the in vivo regulatory network involving the neuroendocrine system, interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF). Adrenalectomy or hypophysectomy shifted the sensitivity curve to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lethal shock as well as TNF- and IL-1-induced deaths. Serum levels of IL-1 or TNF were altered in adrenalectomized or hypophysectomized mice following in vivo stimulation with LPS when compared to appropriate sham-operated control mice. Exogenous administration of either IL-1 or TNF could induce increases in serum corticosterone in sham-operated mice. Finally, treatment of adrenalectomized mice with corticosterone or dexamethasone could inhibit the induction of serum IL-1 and TNF and modified the pattern of these cytokine-induced deaths. Dexamethasone was more effective in these conditions than the natural glucocorticoid, corticosterone. Taken together, these data provide in vivo evidence for a feedback system involving the neuroendocrine axis (hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal glands) leading to corticosterone production and subsequent regulation and/or modulation of IL-1 or TNF levels or activity.