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Hypophyseal-pituitary-adrenal axis in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases

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Abstract

This article discusses the effects of sex steroids and anterior pituitary hormones on the immune system. Data from clinical and experimental studies on the effects of CRH, FSH, LH, and prolactin are reviewed. This is followed by a summary of results from our studies on the effects of FSH, LH, and prolactin on PBMC, CD4+ cells, and CD8+ cells in vitro.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. duPont Institute of The Nemours Foundation Pediatric Rheumatology, 1600 Rockland Road, 19899, Wilmington, DE

    Balu H. Athreya & Patricia Rettig

  2. Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Smithkline Beecham Pharmaceuticals, Philadelphia, PA

    William V. Williams

  3. Department of Medicine, Rheumatology Dividsion, Univeristy of Pennsylvannia, Philadelphia, PA

    William V. Williams

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  1. Balu H. Athreya
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  2. Patricia Rettig
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  3. William V. Williams
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Athreya, B.H., Rettig, P. & Williams, W.V. Hypophyseal-pituitary-adrenal axis in autoimmune and rheumatic diseases. Immunol Res 18, 93–102 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02788752

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