Norepinephrine and adenosine-5'-triphosphate synergize in inducing IL-6 production by human dermal microvascular endothelial cells.

•Norepinephrine and ATP are sympathetic nerve transmitters.•Dermal blood vessels are associated with sympathetic nerves.•Norepinephrine and ATP synergize in inducing IL-6 production by endothelial cells..•Norepinephrine and ATP similarly synergize in increasing IL-6 mRNA levels.•This pathway may account for stress-induced exacerbation of cutaneous inflammation.