IL-12 enhances IFN-γproduction by NK cells and T lymphocytes and plays a pivotal role in the develpment of Th1 cells. So the regulation of IL-12 production corresponds with that of Th1/Th2 response. This study investigated the effects of some
hormones
on IL-12 production because hormonal regulation of IL-12 production remains largely unknown. IL-12 production in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) culture was induced by Staphylococcus aureus Cowan 1 strain (SAC) and relative amount
of
IL-12 in culture supernatant was measured. In the presence ofβ-endorphin (β-end) or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) IL-12 production was enhanced. In contrast, corticosterone (CS) or retinoic acid (RA) reduced IL-12 production, When IL-12 p40
mRNA
expression was observed in mouse peritoneal macrophages, IL-12 mRNA expression was detected as early as at 2 h and maximal at 4-8 h after LPS stimulation and continued to 24 h. Modulating effects ofβ-end, DHEA, RA, CS on IL-12 production in PBMC
were
completely reproduced at mRNA level in peritoneal macrophages. That is, DHEA andβ-end increased IL-12 mRNA expression and RA and CS reduced IL-12 mRNA expression.
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