Differential Fos expression induced by IL-1β and IL-6 in rat hypothalamus and pituitary gland

Abstract IL-1 β has been implicated in central nervous system effects, including activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. Less is known concerning the role of IL-6 in brain. To compare and contrast IL-1 β and IL-6 effects on brain, rats were administered intraperitoneal injections of IL-1 β , IL-6 or control vehicle (3–8 μ g/rat), perfused 150–180 min post-injection, and brains and pituitaries were processed for Fos immunolabeling. IL-1 β induced Fos expression in corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) neurons of paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus, and anterior pituitary gland. IL-6 also induced immunolabeled Fos in the anterior pituitary gland, however, it did not induce Fos expression in CRF neurons of PVN. Data suggest that IL-6 may directly activate the anterior pituitary gland, whereas IL-1 β may exert its effect on the pituitary directly and/or indirectly via activation of CRF neurons in the PVN.