Abstract
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-alpha) have been shown to activate the HPA axis. Recently, interleukin-10, an important anti-inflammatory 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. 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. 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. CONCLUSIONS: These findings will provide a valuable repository to aid in understanding IL-10's functions in the HPA axis at the molecular level.