Analysis of the immune-encodrine feedback loop in the avian system and its alteration in chickens with spontaneous autoimmune thyroiditis.

In both mammals and chickens, immunization with exogenous antigens results in a surge of serum glucocorticoid hormone levels concomitant with the antibody response. This effect is mediated by glucocorticoid-increasing factors (GIF) produced by cells of the immune system. In the avian system, GIF appear to act via the hypothalamo-pituitary axis and not directly on the adrenal gland. Interleukin 1 is the main active substance responsible for GIF activity, as shown by molecular sieve and immunoaffinity chromatography studies. In contrast to data from mammals, we found no evidence that interleukin 2 elevates chicken corticosterone. Obese strain chickens with spontaneous Hashimoto-like autoimmune thyroiditis are deficient in their in vivo GIF response. Because no differences were found between autoimmune and healthy chickens in the corticosterone response of the adrenal gland after ACTH administration, and since autoimmune animals are able to react normally to immobilization stress, it is assumed that this deficiency is due to a specific defect rather than a general disturbance in the endocrine system.