Cortisol stimulation by recombinant interferon-alpha 2.

Serum cortisol concentrations were determined by radioimmunoassay in cancer patients undergoing experimental therapy with recombinant interferon-alpha 2. Cortisol concentration rose steadily after interferon administration and was significantly different from that on control day at 8 h following intramuscular injection of interferon-alpha 2. Cortisol elevation was increased as weekly doses of interferon were increased (0-120 X 10(6) units). Recent clinical trials of interferons for treatment of neurological and malignant diseases provide a compelling need to understand the actions and side effects of exogenously administered interferons.