Cytokines and reproduction

Cytokines are important in reproduction. Interleukin-1, an established immune mediator, is one of th 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- 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 ro in regulating human reproductive events such as ovulation, luteinization, and implantation.
(Simon C, Polan ML: Cytokines and reproduction. West) Med 1994; 160:425-429) For many years investigators and clinicians have attempted to understand the complexity of the human reproductive process. Anatomy, embryology, [...]