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Updated: Jul 6, 2026

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Comparative Analysis of Human Growth Hormone in Serum Using SPRi, Nano-SPRi and ELISA Assays
Published on: January 7, 2016
Growth hormone-insulinlike growth factor I and immune function
1Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, State University of New York, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8154, USA.
Trends in Endocrinology and Metabolism: TEM
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) influence the immune system by promoting cell growth and activating immune cells. The immune system may be a key target for the GH-IGF-I axis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Immunology
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) are implicated in a neuroendocrine-immune axis.
- This axis may regulate cellular proliferation in primary lymphoid organs and immune cell activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the GH-IGF-I axis in immune function.
- To determine if GH and IGF-I act independently or if GH action is mediated by local IGF-I production in lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- The study examines the presence and potential roles of GH, IGF-I, and their receptors within immune cells.
- Investigates the impact of GH on thymic hormones and cytokines.
Main Results:
- GH and IGF-I, along with their receptors, are found in lymphocytes.
- GH influences thymic hormone and cytokine production, affecting immune function.
Conclusions:
- The immune system, particularly lymphocytes, may be significant targets of the GH-IGF-I axis.
- Further research is needed to clarify the independent or mediated actions of GH and IGF-I on immune responses.
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