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Hypophysectomy and growth hormone replacement effects on multiple immune responses in rats
J H Exon1, J L Bussiere, J R Williams
1Department of Veterinary Science, University of Idaho, Moscow 83843.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|June 1, 1990
Summary
Hypophysectomy in rats impairs immune function, reducing antibody production and natural killer cell activity. Growth hormone (GH) treatment in these rats restored key immune responses, highlighting the pituitary
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Physiology
Background:
- The pituitary gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including immune responses.
- Growth hormone (GH) is a key pituitary hormone with known metabolic effects, but its direct impact on immunity requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the pituitary gland and growth hormone (GH) in maintaining normal immune function in male Fischer 344 rats.
- To assess the effects of hypophysectomy and subsequent GH treatment on specific immune responses and lymphoid organ weights.
Main Methods:
- Male Fischer 344 rats underwent hypophysectomy or sham surgery.
- Hypophysectomized rats were treated with bovine somatotropin (GH).
- Immune responses including antibody production, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH), natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity, and interleukin-2 (IL2) production were measured.
Main Results:
- Hypophysectomized rats exhibited significantly reduced antibody synthesis, DTH reactions, NK cytotoxicity, and IL2 production compared to controls.
- GH treatment in hypophysectomized rats restored antibody and IL2 production, and partially restored DTH responses.
- Body weight, lymphoid organ weights, and hematologic parameters were also affected by hypophysectomy and GH treatment.
Conclusions:
- The pituitary gland is essential for maintaining normal immune function in rats, potentially mediated through GH production.
- Growth hormone may exert its immunomodulatory effects, at least in part, by stimulating IL2 production.
