Abstract
Interleukin-1 (IL-1), IL-6, and other cytokines mainly produced by endotoxin [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)]-activated monocytes and macrophages, are known to be responsible for the acute phase and inflammatory response. These cytokines also influence the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones and play an important role in the interaction between the immune and the endocrine systems. Moreover, IL-1, IL-6, and their receptors are expressed and produced within the anterior pituitary influencing the growth and function of pituitary cells. Thus, we propose that they act as autocrine or paracrine regulators of pituitary homeostasis. In addition, intrapituitary production of IL-1 and IL-6 is also induced by LPS showing another link between the immune and the endocrine systems. The present review summarizes the actual knowledge about the actions of IL-1 and IL-6 (and related cytokines) known to regulate the anterior pituitary physiology and the involvement of LPS in modulating these intrapituitary cytokine pathways.
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