Association of Adrenocorticotrophin and Cortisol Concentrations with Peripheral Blood Leukocyte Cytokine Gene Expression in Septic and Nonseptic Neonatal Foals

摘要

Background The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) is influenced by the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1 beta, and TNF-a in critically ill humans. Information about the association of cytokines with the HPA axis in neonatal foals is lacking. Hypothesis/Objectives The objectives were to describe for hospitalized septic and nonseptic foals (1) temporal changes in blood concentrations of ACTH, and cortisol, and leukocyte cytokine gene expression, and (2) coassociation of these HPA axis hormones with blood leukocyte cytokine gene expression. Animals Hospitalized septic foals (N similar to=similar to 15) and hospitalized nonseptic foals (N similar to=similar to 11). Methods Blood samples, obtained from study foals at admission (T similar to=similar to 0), and 24 (T similar to=similar to 1), 48 (T similar to=similar to 2), 72 (T similar to=similar to 3), and 96 (T similar to=similar to 4) hours after admission, were processed to isolate RNA from leukocytes and to harvest plasma and serum for hormone assays. Plasma ACTH and serum cortisol concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay. Leukocyte mRNA expression of IL-1 beta IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and TNF-a was determined using RT-PCR. Results Cortisol concentrations were greater (P similar to