Increased ACTH and cortisol secretion after interleukin-1 alpha injection in the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus jacchus)

We have studied the effect of intravenous injection of interleukin-1 (dose range: from 0.25 to 4.5 mug/kg of body weight) on plasma ACTH and cortisol levels in the marmoset, a primate paradygm of peripheral glucocorticoid res istance. Blood sampling were collected and body temperature recorded 0, 15, 30, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300 min after injection. Interleukin-1 stimulate d secretion of ACTH in a dose-dependent fashion. Maximal secretion occurred 120 min after injection, and lasted up to 240 min. Plasma ACTH levels retu rned to baseline 300 min after interleukin-1 injection. Plasma cortisol lev els were related to ACTH levels. Body temperature elevation, which occurred 10-15 min after injection was dose-dependent, and lasted 3 h. Results sugg est that the pyrogenic effect of interleukin is associated, in the marmoset , with integrated activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. In light of the proneness of marmosets to hyperimmune disorders, our data are consistent with the hypothesized central biological role of IL-1, as well as the pathophysiological relevance of the neuro-endocrine-immune cross-tal k during the acute phase response. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All right s reserved.