Cytokines and reproduction.
Cytokines are important in reproduction. Interleukin-1, an established immune mediator, is one of the best-characterized members of the cytokine family. We describe what is known about the interactions between the interleukin-1 system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal, the hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axes. We also review the ovarian role of the interleukin-1 system. This cytokine has an immense and, as yet, imperfectly understood effect on the human reproductive tract. Clearly the immune system has a potential autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine role in regulating human reproductive events such as ovulation, luteinization, and implantation.
Simón
C
C
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Stanford University Medical Center, California 94305-5317.
Polan
M L
ML
D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000502:physiology*; D007375:Interleukin-1 / Q000502:physiology*; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000502:physiology; D012098:Reproduction / Q000502:physiology*; D013961:Thyroid Gland / Q000502:physiology
D007375:Interleukin-1