The role of the folliculostellate cells of the anterior pituitary in the regulation of hormone secretion.

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The anterior pituitary gland secretes hormones that control development, basal metabolism, the immune response and reproduction. Therefore, the regulation of hormone release by this gland is essential for survival. Our aim is to understand the control of anterior pituitary hormone secretion. In the present proposal we will investigate whether intercellular communication among folliculostellate cells in the anterior pituitary gland contributes to the regulation of the anterior pituitary endocrine function. Differently from the hormone producing-cells, the folliculostellate cells do not release hormones but, instead, they secrete substances that act within the anterior pituitary gland to control the release of anterior pituitary hormones. In addition, the folliculostellate cells communicate with other folliculostellate and endocrine cells within the anterior pituitary. Cell-to-cell communication mainly occurs via specialized structures known as gap junctions. Gap junctions are intercellular channels formed by a family of proteins known as connexins. Six connexin molecules associate to form a connexon or hemichannel, and the docking of two hemichannels from neighbouring cells forms a gap junction channel. Cell coupling is an effective mode of controlling and synchronizing hormone secretion. We will study whether gap junction-mediated cell-to-cell communication among the folliculostellate cells is affected by endogenous substances such as cytokines and growth factors known to modulate hormone secretion. The present study will provide a deeper understanding of the regulation of hormone secretion by the folliculostellate cells.