Abstract
This chapter describes selected methods for investigating the site and mechanisms of action of cytokines on the neuroendocrine system and discusses their pitfalls, limitations, and advantages. These methods may also be employed for studying the effects of other cytokines on the secretion of various pituitary hormones. The most widely used method for studying the direct action of a bioactive substance on the anterior pituitary may be the technique of primary culture of rat pituitary cells. The primary monolayer culture of pituitary cells was first employed for examining the hormone-releasing or release-inhibiting effects of various hypophysiotropic factors. As monolayer pituitary cell cultures consistently respond to the classic hypophysiotropic hormones with the release of or the release inhibition of the respective pituitary hormone in a dose-dependent manner, the method has been considered the most reliable, specific, and convenient bioassay for the substances that affect pituitary cells by a direct action.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
