Neuroimmune relations in the rat thymus caused by recombinant interleukin-1beta administration

Interrelations among changes in 11-oxycorticosteroids (11-OSC) in blood plasma, catecholamines (CA), and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in nerve fibres of the thymus, as well as qualitative content and proliferative capacity of thymic and blood cells under the effect of the rat recombinant interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) normally and under conditions of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical depression, were studied. The changes were the most obvious within 15 and 120 min following the IL-2 beta administration: elevation of the 11-OSC, increase in the CA content, and decrease in the AChE activity in thymic nerve fibres. Preliminary administration of dexamethasone prevented the effects.