T-cell function after interleukin-2 therapy in HIV-infected patients is correlated with serum cortisol concentrations.

Objectives: To examine the effects of interleukin (IL)-2 therapy on in-vitro lymphocyte responsiveness in HIV-infected patients and to correlate these data with serum cortisol concentrations.

Design: German prospective study.

Methods: In adult patients (n = 32) treated with 9 x 10(6) IU/day interleukin-2, lymphocyte transformation tests (LTT), serum cortisol concentrations and CD4 T-cell counts were assessed before, during and after IL-2 therapy.

Interleukin-2 given to asymptomatic HIV-infected individuals leads to an exaggerated response of the pituitary gland to the action of CRH.

Background And Aims: Studies investigating the impact of interleukin-2 (IL-2) on the corticotroph axis have shown that IL-2 can stimulate cortisol and ACTH secretion. However, the site, the time course and the mechanisms of IL-2 stimulation of the corticotroph axis are still not known. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the mechanisms of IL-2 stimulation of the corticotroph axis.