Influence of the menstrual cycle on the LPS-induced cytokine response of monocytes

We previously observed a gender difference in the cytokine response of peri pheral blood monocytes (PBM). The study was performed to find out whether t he gender-related difference might be due to hormonal changes during the me nstrual cycle in healthy premenopausal females. The release of tumour necro sis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) was reduced in the premenopausal females durin g the luteal phase compared to the follicular phase. Compared to the male c ontrols the release of TNF-alpha and of interleukin 6 (IL-6) during the lut eal phase was also diminished. In premenopausal females the concentration o f estradiol in plasma correlated with the release of TNF-alpha and IL-6 dur ing the luteal phase. (C) 2000 Academic Press.