The Effect of Testosterone on Cytokine Production in the Specific and Non‐specific Immune Response

Abstract

PROBLEM: Cytokine production of monocytes and lymphocytes differs between males and females. This difference is characterized by a decreased percentage of interleukin (IL)-2-producing lymphocytes and an increased percentage of IL-12, IL-1beta and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-producing monocytes in males compared with females. In the present study, we investigated whether testosterone may explain these differences. METHOD OF STUDY: Stimulated whole blood of healthy woman was incubated with different concentrations of testosterone. Intracellular lymphocyte production of IL-2 and interferon (IFN)-gamma, as well as intracellular monocyte production of IL-12, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha were measured using flow cytometry. RESULTS: A significant increased percentage of IL-12- and IL-1beta-producing monocytes was found after incubation with physiological concentrations of testosterone. No effect of testosterone was found on IL-2- and IFN-gamma-producing lymphocytes and TNF-alpha-producing monocytes. CONCLUSIONS: The increased percentage of IL-12- and IL-1beta-producing monocytes in males compared with females in vivo may be induced by testosterone, as the in vitro percentage of IL-12- and IL-1beta-producing monocytes is increased after incubation with physiological concentrations of testosterone.