Glucocorticoids modulate the immune response during pregnancy. Cui and colleagues investigated the role of glucocorticoids in pregnant and non-pregnant rats. Immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide in non-pregnant dams results in the release of glucocorticoids, followed by an increase in interleukin-6 (IL6). This response was found to be well-maintained in the early stages of pregnancy, but is attenuated in pregnant rats at term.

Inhibition of the synthesis of glucocorticoids with metyrapone in non-pregnant rats resulted in no lipopolysaccharide-induced increase in IL6. No such effect was seen in pregnant animals, indicating that, during pregnancy, the lipopolysaccharide-induction of IL6 is not corticosterone-dependent. Thus, in late pregnancy, glucocorticoid regulation of IL6 is altered. This response is thought to be required for the specialized functions of IL6 during pregnancy. Cui, Luheshi & Boksa (2011) Journal of Endocrinology 209 95–103.

Read the full article at: DOI:10.1530/JOE-10-0436.