MODIFICATION OF CYTOKINE SECRETION FOLLOWING MILD EMOTIONAL STIMULI

IN the present study, changes in the cytokine system (IL-1 beta, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6 and TNF alpha) were assessed following exposure to mild mo od induction (negative and positive) in humans. An increase in secreti on of TNF alpha, a decrease in that of IL-2 and of IL-3 with no change in IL-1 beta and in IL-6 secretion levels, was observed in response t o mild negative emotional changes. A reversed cytokine secretion profi le was found following positive mood changes, suggesting the hypothala mic-pituitary- adrenal axis and the autonomic nervous system, as possi ble mediators underlying these effects, specific to the nature of the emotion.