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[Effect of growth hormone on immune function in normal and hypophysectomised rats]
Y Takada1, H Bando, Y Miyamoto
1First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Tokushima, Japan.
Nihon Naibunpi Gakkai Zasshi
|October 20, 1991
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) is crucial for immune function. GH supplementation restored impaired humoral and cell-mediated immunity in hypophysectomized rats, highlighting its role in immune system development.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Physiology
Context:
- Hypophysectomy, the surgical removal of the pituitary gland, significantly impairs growth and immune function.
- Growth hormone (GH) plays a vital role in regulating various physiological processes, including immune responses.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of growth hormone (GH) on immune function in hypophysectomized rats.
- To determine if GH supplementation can restore immune parameters compromised by hypophysectomy.
Summary:
- Hypophysectomized rats exhibited reduced white blood cell counts, lymphocyte subsets (T and B cells), serum IgG levels, natural killer activity, and T cell proliferation.
- GH treatment in hypophysectomized rats led to increased growth, lymphoid tissue restoration, and recovery of peripheral blood cell counts, IgG levels, and NK activity.
- While GH partially restored immune function, splenic lymphocyte subsets and T cell proliferation remained suppressed after 4 weeks of treatment. GH administration to normal rats only increased serum IgG levels.
Impact:
- The study demonstrates that GH is essential for maintaining both humoral and cell-mediated immune functions.
- GH supplementation shows potential in restoring immune deficits caused by pituitary dysfunction.
- These findings underscore the significant role of GH in immune system development and function.