[Endocrine involvement in immunotherapy].

Abstract

Thyroid dysfunction and abnormalities in corticosteroid regulation were observed after clinical use of cytokines (IL2, IFN alpha), molecules with immunostimulating properties. Interleukin 2 administration induces hypothyroidism often associated with anti-thyroglobulin and anti-thyroid microsomal antibody. All these features recall Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Frequency of thyroid dysfunction during immunotherapy varies according to authors between 20 and 40 percent of all patients treated. A correlation between thyroid dysfunction and response to IL2 therapy was reported. Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism with development of anti-TSH receptor antibody are observed after IFN alpha administration. An auto-immune aetiology of these thyroid side effects was suggested because fine needle aspirates of the thyroid of these patients, when available, revealed a mixed cellular infiltrate with lymphocytes and histiocytes and immunocytochemical staining showed strong HLA-DR expression of all thyrocytes. Involvement of lymphokine activated killer (LAK) or direct effect of cytokines on thyroid are also possible. After intravenous injection of IL2, a marked increase in ACTH levels occurred, peaking at 4 hour with a comparable peak in cortisol level at 5 hour. Expression of IL2-Receptor in pituitary cells suggests a direct action of IL2 on anterior pituitary. Nevertheless, indirect action of IL2 via induction of other cytokines or possible secretion of ACTH by activated lymphocytes, cannot be ruled out. Testosterone serum levels decreased significantly after IL2 or IFN alpha administration. It is noteworthy that these endocrine effects induced by cytokines may modulate the clinical efficacy of these substances underlying the bi-directional communication between the immune and endocrine system.