Alpha-interferon induces cortisol release by human adrenals in vitro.

It is at present not clear whether alpha interferon (INF-alpha) can participate in the control of glucocorticoid blood levels through direct action on the adrenal gland. In this study, the possible action of INF-alpha on cortisol release by adrenal tissue was tested in vitro. Slices of normal human adrenals were incubated with INF-alpha for 3 h at 37 degrees C in 95% air and 5% CO2. Cortisol release by adrenal tissue was stimulated by INF-alpha, showing a dose-response curve from 20 IU/ml, the lowest dose that gave a response, to a maximal dose of 60 IU/ml when the response reached a plateau. The effect of INF-alpha on cortisol liberation by adrenal tissue in vitro may be implied in neuroimmune regulatory interactions.