Transient responses of inflammatory cytokines in acute stress

It has been demonstrated that concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are elevated by acute stress. Although several studies confirmed robust changes in IL-6, how acute stress affects other cytokines was less clear. Therefore, the present study simultaneously examined the effects of acute stress on several pro-inflammatory cytokines. Sixteen male participants were given the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Blood samples were collected at baseline, immediately after, and 30, 60, and 90 min after the TSST. IL-1β significantly increased immediately after the TSST and returned to the baseline level after 30 min. Additionally, this elevation of IL-1β was correlated with the perceived intensity of stress. These results showed that the concentration of IL-1β is rapidly regulated, and that elevation of the IL-1β level could possibly be attributed to transient mobilization of monocytes caused by sympathetic nervous activation. Moreover, a transient increase of IL-1β might be conveyed to the brain and play a role in forming negative emotional states.