Hormones in self tolerance and autoimmunity: a role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis?

Recent studies indicate that pituitary hormones play an important role in immunoregulation. The evidence that endocrine abnormalities are associated with, and may contribute to the development of autoimmune disease is reviewed and discussed. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis show a number of endocrine abnormalities that indicate altered pituitary function. The decreased bioactivity of prolactin and possible inadequate glucocorticoid response to inflammation found in patients may have an etiological role in rheumatoid arthritis. The further clarification of the possible role of endocrine factors in the etiology of autoimmune disease is needed urgently.