Modulation of Steroidogenic Enzymes in Murine Lymphoid Organs After Immune Activation

To study the effects of immune cell activation by a protein antigen or lymphoid tissue derived cytokines on peripheral steroidogenesis activities of 3β HSD and 17β HSD was measured in lymphoid organs of control and BSA immunized mice after 3 weeks treatment. We demonstrated the presence of 3βHSD and 17βHSD in the lymphoid organs after active immunization. We found elevated serum corticosterone after 3 weeks of antigen administration in presence of CFA and a higher serum IL-6 level that also alter lymphoid tissue cytokine responses like TNF-α, IL-12p70, and IL-6, among which IL-12p70 and TNF-α down-regulate the activity of steroidogenic enzymes in the thymus during an immune response.