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Prolactin, a lymphocyte growth and survival factor
1College of Pharmacy and Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio 45267-0004, USA. Arthur.Buckley@uc.edu
Lupus
|November 28, 2001
Summary
Prolactin (PRL) is a key immune system modulator. This hormone enhances lymphocyte proliferation and promotes immune cell survival, highlighting its critical role in maintaining immunocompetence.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Prolactin (PRL) is an anterior pituitary hormone with established immunomodulatory functions.
- Early studies suggested PRL's role in maintaining immunocompetence.
- The discovery of PRL receptors on lymphocytes and their synthesis of PRL intensified research into its immune effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the proliferative actions of prolactin (PRL) on immune cells.
- To summarize the survival-promoting properties of PRL in lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on prolactin and the immune system.
- Analysis of cell culture studies demonstrating PRL's effects on lymphocyte proliferation.
- Examination of research on PRL's influence on anti-apoptotic gene expression in immune cells.
Main Results:
- Prolactin (PRL) acts as a co-mitogen, boosting lymphocyte proliferation when combined with plant lectins and cytokines.
- PRL enhances the efficacy of mitogens and cytokines in stimulating lymphocyte proliferation.
- PRL may increase the survival of specific lymphocyte subsets by upregulating anti-apoptotic genes.
Conclusions:
- Prolactin (PRL) plays a significant role in immune cell proliferation and survival.
- PRL is a critical immunomodulator with direct effects on lymphocytes.
- Further research into PRL's mechanisms in immune regulation is warranted.
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