ENDOTOXINS AND ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

There is good evidence for the interaction of neuroendocrine and immun e systems. Endotoxin (LPS)-induced mediators (e.g., cytokines, prostag landins etc) set on endocrine organs (e.g., the hypothalamo-pituitry-a drenal axis; thyroid glands etc). Endotoxin-treated, intestinal ischem ic, or irradiated rats show decreased T-4 levels of blood. These anima ls cannot respond to TSH because the TSH-receptors of follicular membr anes are disturbed by LPS in the thyroid glands. Radiodetoxified endot oxin is an effective immunstimulator and does not disturb the follicul ar membrane of thyroid gland. Thus, the T-4 production remains normal. The bile acids-as the end-product of cholesterol metabolism-play an i mportant role in the physiological defense of macroorganisms against e ndotoxin and other lipid-like agents (Physico-chemical defense) and in the regulation of endocrine system, including the reproduction. (C) E lsevier Science Inc. 1998