Interleukin-1 (IL-1) in stress-induced activation of limbic-hypothalamic- pituitary adrenal axis

Proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1 (il-1) produced during psychological and immunological stress,plays a significant role in the neuroendocrine and stress responses. brain il-1 is an important mediator in stress-induced stimulation of the limbichypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and secretion of acth and corticosterone. this review aims to describe some signaling pathways between the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary structures during prolonged stress responses including their sensitization and adaptation. interleukin-1 represents an important central component operating in neurochemical and immune network for efficient coping in preventing stress-associated psycho- and neuropathology. copyright © 2010 by institute of pharmacology polish academy of sciences.