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Effect of Progesterone and Testosterone on Interferon Production and on the Viral Infection-Enhancing Activity of Estrone and Hydrocortisone

Environmental Microbiology Branch, Epidemiology Division, USAF School of Aerospace Medicine, Aerospace Medical Division (AFSC), Brooks Air Force base, Texas 78235

ABSTRACT

The effect of progesterone and testosterone on interferon production and on the viral infection-enhancing (VIE) activity of estrone and hydrocortisone was investigated. Neither hormone interfered with interferon production. Progesterone reduced the VIE activity of estrone but not that of hydrocortisone. Testosterone had no effect on the VIE activity of either hormone. It is concluded that the lack of VIE activity by progesterone and testosterone may be related to their inabilities to suppress interferon production. The interference by progesterone with the VIE activity of estrone suggests that, in this system, the two hormones may affect common target cells.