Objectives: Pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate brain damage in multiple sclerosis (MS); they can also influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. We evaluated the possible abnormalities of HPA axis function in relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS).
Material and methods: IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha and IL-6 production by ex-vivo lymphocytes from 10 normal volunteers and 10 RR-MS patients before and during IFN-beta therapy was assessed; pituitary-adrenal function was evaluated by means of CRH and ACTH stimulation tests.
Results: In untreated patients the production of IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-6 was increased, and was significantly decreased by IFN-beta. Neither basal, nor stimulated ACTH, cortisol, DHEA, DHEAs, 17-alpha-OH-progesterone levels differed between controls and RR-MS patients, both before and during treatment. Moreover, no correlation was found between endocrine and immune parameters.
Conclusion: In MS the HPA axis function seems normal and not influenced by IFN-beta treatment. This result is discussed in relation to the increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines found in this disease.