145. Temporal associations between IL-6 and cortisol production in response to acute psychosocial stress

• Published in: Brain, behavior, and immunity Vol. 26; p. S40
• Main Authors: Gawuga, C.E, Tyrka, A.R, Price, L.H, Carpenter, L.L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01.09.2012
• Subjects: Allergy and Immunology; Psychiatry
• ISSN: 0889-1591; 1090-2139
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2012.07.169

Objective Although it is known that there is a temporal, regulatory relationship between cortisol and IL-6, it has not yet been established that such a relationship extends to the neuroendocrine and immune responses to acute psychosocial stress. Methods Healthy adult participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test. IV blood samples were collected before and after the test (time points 0, +15, +30, +45, +60, +75, +90), and emotional ratings were completed. Results Lower plasma cortisol concentration at time point 0 was correlated with higher IL-6 concentrations at time points +60 and +75 ( p = 0.001; p = 0.001). Lower plasma cortisol at time point +15 was also correlated with higher IL-6 at time points +60 and +75 ( p < 0.05; p = 0.008). Linear regression showed that lower cortisol levels at time point 0 predicted plasma IL-6 at time point +60 ( p = 0.006). Other predictors of IL-6 at +60 were BMI ( p = 0.002), gender ( p = 0.027), and change in depressive mood from time 0 to +30 ( p = 0.015). Only BMI predicted IL-6 at time point +75 ( p < 0.001). Conclusion Subjects with lower baseline plasma cortisol concentrations generated a greater IL-6 response one hour after initiation of the TSST. Greater change in depressive mood, higher BMI, and female gender also contributed to elevated IL-6 response to the TSST. These results suggest that the temporal regulatory relationship between cortisol and IL-6 persists even in the context of acute psychosocial stress.