Cytokines, particularly those endowed with pro-inflammatory properties, are known to influence the release of anterior pituitary hormones by a direct and indirect action at the level of pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Type I interferons (IFNs) represent a group of cytokines that act through a common receptor composed by two chains (IFNAR-1 and IFNAR-2). Several in vitro and in vivo studies underline the fact that type I IFNs are involved in the regulation of the immune-endocrine circuitry. Treatment with type I IFNs of patients affected by chronic viral hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and tumors influences the secretion of pituitary hormones. This article reviews the current knowledge about the effects of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta on hypothalamic-pituitary function and describes the potential role of type I IFNs in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.
Potential role of type I interferons in the treatment of pituitary adenomas / G. Vitale, M. Caraglia, P.M. Van Koetsveld, P. Maroni, M. Marra, A. Colao, S.W.J. Lamberts, F. Cavagnini, L.J. Hofland. - In: REVIEWS IN ENDOCRINE & METABOLIC DISORDERS. - ISSN 1389-9155. - 10:2(2009), pp. 125-133.
Potential role of type I interferons in the treatment of pituitary adenomas
G. VitalePrimo
;F. CavagniniPenultimo
;
2009
Abstract
Cytokines, particularly those endowed with pro-inflammatory properties, are known to influence the release of anterior pituitary hormones by a direct and indirect action at the level of pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Type I interferons (IFNs) represent a group of cytokines that act through a common receptor composed by two chains (IFNAR-1 and IFNAR-2). Several in vitro and in vivo studies underline the fact that type I IFNs are involved in the regulation of the immune-endocrine circuitry. Treatment with type I IFNs of patients affected by chronic viral hepatitis, multiple sclerosis and tumors influences the secretion of pituitary hormones. This article reviews the current knowledge about the effects of IFN-alpha and IFN-beta on hypothalamic-pituitary function and describes the potential role of type I IFNs in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.Pubblicazioni consigliate
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.