User:RuthPatterson5/sandbox

This is my sandbox

Function as sustentacular cells
Folliculostellate (FS) cells are asserted to be of sustentacular (support) function due to their positioning along-side the endocrine (hormone-secreting) cells of the pituitary gland, implying an either mechanical or chemical support – by forming structural support around the endocrine cells or releasing growth factors and cytokines (cell-signalling molecules). Structural support is exemplified in that FS cells are known to produce Metalloprotease inhibitor which may protect the basement membrane and maintain three-dimensional structural support; as well as surrounding endocrine cells, forming close contact to provide the growth factors and cytokines, within the pituitary gland.

As well as growth factors and cytokines, FS cells produce nitrogen oxide (NO). FS cells are considered to produce NO in order to control NO production in nearby endocrine cells, by expressing nNOS (an enzyme involved in NO production).

The production of IL-6 (interleukin-6, a cytokine) could also be said to be a supportive function, as the IL-6 is a mediator in communication between the endocrine and immune system. This IL-6 production by FS cells induces hormone production from endocrine cells, which can then activate the immune system.