The pituitary contains resident non-lymphoid dendritic cells (DC’s).
LPS challenge causes pituitary DC’s to secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Pituitary DC cytokines activate the release of GCs from the adrenals via ACTH.
Pituitary DC’s express annexin A1, indicating a role in attenuating the GC response.
Pituitary DC’s are an immune sentinel for initial shaping of the immune response.