Interleukin 6 possibly induced by interleukin 1β in the pituitary gland stimulates the release of gonadotropins and prolactin

Abstract
The abilities of recombinant human interleukin I (IL-1) and IL-6 to induce release of FSH, LH and PRL from rat pituitary cells in vitro were examined. IL-1 and IL-6 induced significant releases of FSH, LH and PRL within 3 h. The extents of release of these compounds induced by IL-1 and IL-6 were similar to those induced by GnRH and TRH. Rat anterior pituitary cells released IL-6 spontaneously, and its release was enhanced by IL-1.beta.. This effect of IL-1.beta. was inhibited significantly by a rabbit anti-IL-1.beta. antiserum. These findings suggest that IL-1 induced the release of IL-6 from rat pituitary, and that the released IL-6 stimulated the secretions of FSH, LH and PRL.

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