Potential role of type I interferons in the treatment of pituitary adenomas.
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.
Vitale
Giovanni
G
Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, University of Milan, Milan, Italy. vanni10@yahoo.com
Caraglia
Michele
M
van Koetsveld
Peter M
PM
Maroni
Paola
P
Marra
Monica
M
Colao
Annamaria
A
Lamberts
Steven W J
SW
Cavagnini
Francesco
F
Hofland
Leo J
LJ
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects; D053633:Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta / Q000378:metabolism
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D007370:Interferon Type I; D053633:Receptor, Interferon alpha-beta