Cytokines: regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis.
Many of the pro-inflammatory cytokines that are released in response to immune/inflammatory insults exert marked stimulatory influences on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis. Thus, they provoke the release of glucocorticoids that, in turn, temper the ensuing immune/inflammatory response, and thereby complete a homeostatic neuroendocrine loop. The mechanisms by which cytokines cause glucocorticoid release are complex and can be affected by repeated or sustained cytokine exposure, gender and age, or counter-regulatory mechanisms.
John
Christopher D
CD
Department of Neuroendocrinology, Division of Neuroscience and Psychological Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Hammersmith Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK.
Buckingham
Julia C
JC
D000818:Animals; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology*
D016207:Cytokines