Interferon-Alpha-2-Induced Stimulation of ACTH and Cortisol Secretion in Man

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Abstract
Short-term effects of interferon-α2 on plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were measured in man in relation to interferon absorption. Interferon-α2 was given subcutaneously at a dose of 3 × 106 IU at 17.00 h to 2 female and 5 male patients who suffered from chronic hepatitis B infection and who had not previously been treated with interferon. Plasma levels of ACTH, cortisol and interferon-α were determined at 30-min intervals between 16.00 and 24.00 h. In each patient a similar cortisol, ACTH and interferon-α profile was determined on a day, when no interferon-α treatment was given. Interferon-α plasma levels peaked around 21.30 h, i.e. 4.7 h after injection. In each patient ACTH and cortisol levels were increased. As calculated from the areas under the curves, ACTH release was increased by an average of 332% (maxima at about 22.00 h, i.e. 5.2 h post injection); cortisol release was increased by an average of 311% (maxima at about 23.00 h, 5.8 h post injection). These actions were not related to side effects like fever or other flu-like symptoms. Our findings confirm that in man as in animals interferon-α2 can act as a mediator between the immune and endocrine system.

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