Interferon-β Treatment Does Not Elevate Cortisol in Multiple Sclerosis

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Abstract
Interferons (IFN) are used to treat cancer and multiple sclerosis (MS). High doses of IFN elevate serum cortisol, which may indirectly affect the course of either of these diseases. IFN-induced elevation of serum cortisol could speed recovery from exacerbations of MS. We find that IFN-β at 9 or 45 MU every other day does not elevate serum or urine cortisol in MS. Clinical effects of IFN-β in MS are likely to be direct, and not mediated indirectly through alteration of serum cortisol levels.