Release of Multiple Hormones by a Direct Action of Interleukin-1 on Pituitary Cells
Abstract
Exposure to bacterial endotoxins has long been known to stimulate the release of anterior pituitary hormones; administration of endotoxin was at one time a common clinical test of anterior pituitary function. Endotoxin is a potent stimulus for production of the endogenous pyrogenic protein, interleukin- I (IL-I), by macrophages and monocytes. The possibility that IL-I has a direct effect on the secretion of hormones by rat pituitary cells in a monolayer culture was investigated. Recombinant human IL-I beta stimulated the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone, luteinizing hormone, growth hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Prolactin secretion by the monolayers was inhibited by similar doses. These concentrations of IL-I are within the range reported for IL-I in serum, suggesting that IL-I generated peripherally by mononuclear immune cells may act directly on anterior pituitary cells to modulate hormone secretion in vivo. Incubation of IL-I solutions with antibody to IL-I neutralized these actions. These pituitary effects of IL-I suggest that this monokine may be an important regulator of the metabolic adaptations to infectious stressors. Keywords: Reprints. (KT)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 23, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA200827
Entities
People
- Edward W. Bernton
- Henry G. Fein
- John W. Holaday
- Judith E. Beach
- Robert C. Smallridge
Organizations
- Walter Reed Army Institute of Research