Dopamine increases interleukin 6 release and inhibits tumor necrosis factor release from rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells in vitro.

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are released from the zona glomerulosa of rat adrenal glands. The release of these cytokines from adrenal cells is regulated by interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which are involved in the immune and inflammatory responses. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and angiotensin II, hormones that regulate the adrenal cortex, likewise regulate release of cytokines from adrenal glands. Dopamine inhibits aldosterone release from the adrenal cortex. Therefore, effects of dopamine on IL-6 and TNF release from rat adrenal zona glomerulosa were investigated. Primary cultures of rat adrenal zona glomerulosa cells were exposed to test agents and IL-6 and TNF release determined by the 7TD1 and WEHI bioassays, respectively. Dopamine increased basal IL-6 release and potentiated IL-6 release stimulated by ACTH, LPS or IL-1 beta. Dopamine inhibited basal and secretagogue-stimulated (LPS and IL-1 beta) TNF release. These effects of dopamine were mediated by D2 receptors because N-0437, a D2 agonist, had effects on TNF and IL-6 release identical to those of dopamine. Therefore, dopamine, through D2 receptors, regulates the release of IL-6 and TNF from adrenal cells. Because TNF and IL-6 regulate adrenal steroid release, these cytokines may serve as autocrine or paracrine mediators of adrenal gland function.