Interleukin-10 Regulated Gene Expression in Cells of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Origin

SUMMARY 1. Aim: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a mediator for interactions between the immune and neuroendocrine systems. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 (IL-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) have been shown to activate the HPA axis. Recently, interleukin-10, an important antiinflammatory cytokine in the immune system, has been shown to be expressed in the central nervous system and neuroendocrine system. Little is known, however, about IL-10’s functions in the HPA axis. 2. Methods: The Affymetrix DNA microarray (mouse genome U74Av2 Probe Array) was conducted to determine the gene expression profile regulated by IL-10 in cells of HPA axis origin. 3. Results: In this study, we analyzed gene expression regulated by IL-10 in cells derived from the HPA axis. The results showed that quorums of genes are modulated by IL-10 in these neuroendocrine cells. 4. Conclusions: These findings will provide a valuable repository to aid in understanding IL-10’s functions in the HPA axis at the molecular level.