Modulation of steroidogenic enzymes in murine lymphoid organs after immune activation.

ABSTRACT

To study the effects of immune cell activation by a protein antigen or lymphoid tissue derived cytokines on peripheral steroidogenesis activities of 3beta HSD and 17beta HSD was measured in lymphoid organs of control and BSA immunized mice after 3 weeks treatment. We demonstrated the presence of 3betaHSD and 17betaHSD in the lymphoid organs after active immunization. We found elevated serum corticosterone after 3 weeks of antigen administration in presence of CFA and a higher serum IL-6 level that also alter lymphoid tissue cytokine responses like TNF-alpha, IL-12p70, and IL-6, among which IL-12p70 and TNF-alpha down-regulate the activity of steroidogenic enzymes in the thymus during an immune response.