Received May 9, 2007
Revised June 6, 2007
Accepted after revision June 25, 2007
Neuroendocrinology/Endocrinology [270]
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Molecular transduction mechanisms of cytokine/hormones interactions: role of gp130 cytokines
Juan Gerez 1,
Jose Bonfiglio 1,
Sebastian Sosa 1,
Damiana Giacomini 1,
Matias Acuña 1,
Alberto Carbia Nagashima 1,
Marcelo Perone 1,
Susana Silberstein 1,
Ulrich Renner 2,
Gunter K Stalla 2,
Eduardo Arzt 1*
1 FCEN UBA
2 Max Planck Insitute Psychiatry
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: earzt{at}fbmc.fcen.uba.ar.
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Abstract |
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Highly sophisticated mechanisms confer to the immune system the capacity to respond with a certain degree of autonomy. However, the final outcome of an immune response depends on its interaction with other systems. The immune-neuroendocrine systems have an intimate cross communication making possible a satisfactory response to environmental changes. Part of this interaction occurs through cytokines and steroid hormones. The last step of this cross talk is the molecular level. As a model of interaction this review focuses on the gp130 cytokine family. These cytokines as well as their receptors are expressed in pituitary cells. They regulate hormone production as well as growth of pituitary cells. During acute or chronic inflammation or infection, systemic, hypothalamic as well as hypophyseal gp130 cytokines act on anterior pituitary cells, integrating the neuroendocrine-immune response. Disruptions of these pathways may lead not only to abnormal growth of pituitary cells but also to immune disorders, for which -based on recent findings- targeting these cytokines might be a novel therapeutic concept.
Key Words:
Cytokine, Hormones, Neuroendocrinology
