Transient responses of inflammatory cytokines in acute stress

It has been demonstrated that concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are elevated by acute stress. Although several studies confirmed robust changes in IL-6, how acute stress affects other cytokines was less clear. Therefore, the present study simultaneously examined the effects of acute stress on several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Sixteen male participants were given the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately after, and 30,60, and 90 min after the TSST. IL-1 beta significantly increased immediately after the TSST and returned to the baseline level after 30 min. Additionally, this elevation of IL-1 beta was correlated with the perceived intensity of stress. These results showed that the concentration of IL-1 beta is rapidly regulated, and that elevation of the IL-1 beta level could possibly be attributed to transient mobilization of monocytes caused by sympathetic nervous activation. Moreover, a transient increase of IL-1 beta might be conveyed to the brain and play a role in forming negative emotional states. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.