Interleukin-1 (IL-1) is a multifunctional monokine which possesses an impressive array of diverse actions relating to the function of the immune system. IL-1 is present and formed locally in the brain as demonstrated by biochemical and immunocytochemical methods. Various immunomodulatory and neuroendocrine effects of IL-1 have been reported, including induction of several morphological changes in the endocrine cells of experimental animals and humans. IL-1 is present in two molecular forms (IL-1α and IL-1β) that activate specific receptors for IL-1. In the present study we investigated the possible effect of recombinant human IL-1α and IL-1β and recently cloned anti-human IL-1 receptor antibody (M10) on cell proliferation in the anterior and the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland of the rat. In vivo labelling with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) and immunocytochemical staining with anti-BrdU monoclonal antibody were used as a sensitive index of cell proliferation. IL-1β was found to stimulate dose-dependently (0·1–10 μg/kg body weight) incorporation of BrdU into pituitary intermediate cell nuclei, and positive correlation between the tested doses of IL-1β and BrdU-labelling index was noted (r=0·89; P<0·01). This IL-1β-induced stimulation of pituitary pars intermedia cell proliferation was receptor specific, since stimulation was blocked by anti-IL-1 receptor antibody. On the other hand, recombinant human IL-1α did not affect BrdU incorporation and the proliferation of pituitary pars intermedia cells. In addition, neither of the cytokines tested in the same experimental conditions showed any effect on the cell growth of the pituitary pars anterior. These results suggest that IL-1β may be involved in the regulation of the cell growth of the pituitary intermediate lobe in rats.
Journal of Endocrinology (1994) 140, 337–341
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