Prolactin, growth hormone and the immune system in humans

Prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) qualify as lymphoid growth and differentiation factors. Yet, long-standing hyper- or hyposecretion of PRL or GH does not induce any significant alteration of the immune system. Subclinical changes in laboratory parameters (such as chemotaxis or phagocytosis by granulocytes or macrophages or natural killer cell activity) have been reported in some of these conditions. The GH-insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I axis is dysregulated in ageing, in catabolic states and in critical illness. Immune parameters, such as infection rate, are being monitored during clinical trials with GH or IGF-I. Hyperprolactinaemia may play an aggravating role in systemic lupus erythematosus, in autoimmune thyroiditis and in other autoimmune diseases. The patient may benefit from increased alertness about interactions between the endocrine and immune systems.     

Prolactin and growth hormone signal transduction in lymphohaemopoietic cells

The peptide hormones, prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH), are known to regulate numerous target tissues. Among such targets are cells of the immune system, including T cells, B cells, macrophages and natural killer cells. We have cloned a panel of PRL- and GH-inducible T cell genes for use in studies to understand how these hormones through the expression of these genes modulate the biology of immune function cells. This article focuses on the signalling pathways emanating from the PRL receptor (PRL-R) and GH receptor (GH-R), and the expression of PRL-inducible target genes.     

Immunospecificity and localization of radiolabeled human growth hormone in the mouse

Zusammenfassung Bei männlichen Mäusen wurde die Bindung von¹²⁵I-HGH untersucht. Im Vergleich zur Bindung an andere Gewebe derselben Tiere konnte eine zellspezifische Bindung im Bereich der Samenblasen festgestellt werden. Die Befunde werden in Hinblick auf eine Steroid-ergänzende Tätigkeit des HGH diskutiert.     

Effect of growth hormone and prolactin on mouse transplantable mammary adenocarcinoma

Zusammenfassung Verabreichung von bovinem Wachstumshormon oder Schafsprolactin fördert das Wachstum von Adenokarzinom der Brust (MMC₁A) transplantiert in eine weibliche Maus R III oder von Adenokarzinom der Brust Eo 771 transplantiert in eine weibliche Maus C₅₇Bl.     

Prolactin and growth hormone releasing activity of [D-Met2, Pro5]-enkephalinamide in the rat after systemic administration

Summary The growth hormone (GH) and prolactin releasing (PRL) activity of [D-Met², Pro⁵]-enkephalinamide (EKNH₂), an opioid peptide analog with higher opiate agonist activity that morphine, was compared in the unanesthetized male rat to those of equimolar doses of morphine upon systemic injection. EKNH₂ proved to be a higher PRL, but not GH, releaser than the opiate alkaloid.     

Types of response of insects on treatment with juvenile hormone active insect growth regulators

Summary The reactions of immature insects of more than 40 species placed in continuous contact with high doses of juvenile hormone active insect growth regulators were analyzed. 4 different types were recognized: Inhibition of both ecdysis and metamorphosis, defective metamorphosis, defective adult emergence and defective embryogenesis. The reactions are understood as a consequence of JH/ecdysone antagonism. The limits for the practical application of these substances are discussed.Acknowledgments. We wish to express our thanks to Miss M. Kälin, Miss M. Lehner, Mrs T. Mühle and Mr P. Müller for technical assistance and to Prof. G. Benz, Mr M. Gruber, Dr E. Günthart and Prof H. A. Schneiderman for helpful discussion and correction of the text.     

Iproniazid (marsilid) reverses dopamine-effect and stimulates the growth of mouse neuroblastoma in vitro

Zusammenfassung Die hemmende Wirkung von Dopamin auf die Zellteilung von Neuroblastoma beruht wahrscheinlich nicht auf dem Effekt seines desaminierten Metaboliten, obwohl sie durch den MAO-Hemmer Marsilid aufgehoben wird.     

Effects of prolactin and growth hormone on DNA synthesis of rat mammary carcinomas in vitro

Summary Explants derived from mammary carcinomas of DMBA-treated female Sprague-Dawley rats were cultured for 5 days in Medium 199 containing insulin and corticosterone. The addition of ovine prolactin to the culture media resulted in a consistent significant increase in H³-thymidine incorporation into DNA. DNA synthesis of explants treated with either ovine or human growth hormone was intermediary to prolactin-treated cultures and control cultures. A combination of prolactin and human growth hormone often increased DNA synthesis above either hormone alone, suggesting a possible growth synergism between these peptides.Supported by NIH research grant No. CA-13777 and American Cancer Society research grant No. ET-59.NIH Research Career Development Awardee No. CA-35027.     

In vitro cAMP,aldosterone and cortisol responses of adult human adrenocortical tissue to ACTH and human growth hormone

Summary The acute in vitro effects of ACTH and HGH in human adrenals were examined. HGH acts synergistically with ACTH in augmenting adrenal aldosterone output. This effect is not due to cAMP alterations in response to HGH. HGH slightly depresses the human adrenal cortisol response to ACTH.     

Age differences in the cellular response to cerebral lesions in the dog and mouse

Zusammenfassung Die zelluläre Reaktion an traumatischen, mechanisch gesetzten Läsionen in der Gehirnrinde wurde an neugeborenen und erwachsenen Hunden sowie an Mäusen untersucht. Die Heilung der Läsionen in Neugeborenen war so, dass das Gehirngewebe makroskopisch normal aussah; histologisch waren die durchtrennten Elemente durch die Heilungsprozesse unter minimaler glialer Reaktion wieder gut reorganisiert.     

Ethanol and acetaldehyde do not increase the blood-brain and blood-retinal barrier permeability to sodium fluorescein

Summary No extravasation of sodium fluorescein from capillaries of the cerebral cortex and retina could be demonstrated in rats during severe nonlethal ethanol and/or acetaldehyde poisoning. The results do not exclude the possibility that repeated intoxications may gradually open the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers, but do indicate the absence of an effect during acute intoxication.We are indebted to Prof. Arto Palkama for his kindness in placing the facilities of his laboratory at our disposal during his visit to USA, and also thank his personal technician Miss Ulla Jääskeläinen, who skilfully made the histological preparations.