Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026

Accurate and Simple Measurement of the Pro-inflammatory Cytokine IL-1β using a Whole Blood Stimulation Assay
Published on: March 1, 2011
Gonadotropin modulation of interleukin-1 secretion
1Intercollege Physiology Program, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA.
Objective:
To determine the influence of pituitary gonadotropins, which increase dramatically in concentration at ovulation and in the early years of the postmenopausal transition, on inflammatory cytokine production.
Design:
Cross-sectional population sampling, in vitro experimentation.
Participants:
Healthy subjects, including six men, five women between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and four women who were four to 20 years past menopause.
Method:
Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells were incubated with physiological concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The concentrations of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) secreted into the supernatants were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Results:
Under basal conditions, FSH stimulated IL-1 beta secretion by cells isolated from women in the follicular phase. Under conditions of cellular activation with bacterial lipopolysaccharide, FSH and LH interacted to inhibit IL-1 beta secretion by cells isolated from all groups. The gonadotropins had no significant influence on IL-6 secretion regardless of donor group or cellular activation state.
Conclusion:
The results of this study support the concept that gonadotropins may contribute to the changes in IL-1 beta secretion that occur at the periovulatory and postmenopausal periods.
Related Concept Videos
Autocrine Signaling
Autocrine Signaling in Macrophages
Under normal physiological conditions, autocrine signaling is essential for maintaining homeostasis. This process is well characterized in...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
Inflammatory Response
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...

