15
Views
22
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Article

Hormones in self Tolerance and Autoimmunity: A role in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

, , , , &
Pages 45-56 | Received 24 Jun 1993, Published online: 07 Jul 2009
 

Abstract

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.

Reprints and Corporate Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

To request a reprint or corporate permissions for this article, please click on the relevant link below:

Academic Permissions

Please note: Selecting permissions does not provide access to the full text of the article, please see our help page How do I view content?

Obtain permissions instantly via Rightslink by clicking on the button below:

If you are unable to obtain permissions via Rightslink, please complete and submit this Permissions form. For more information, please visit our Permissions help page.