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The Participation of Prolactin in the Immunopathology of Experimental Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Dulce Adriana Mata-Espinosa1, Gabriel Quintero-Bustos1, Daniel Enrique Castillo Baltazar1
1Experimental Pathology Section, Pathology Department, National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
Neuroimmunomodulation
|May 28, 2026
Summary
Prolactin boosts immune responses against tuberculosis in mice, enhancing bacterial clearance. Late-stage prolactin treatment reactivates immune protection, reducing bacterial load and tissue damage.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Prolactin (PRL) and its receptor are known for roles in lactation but also influence immune responses.
- These hormones may play a significant role in chronic infectious diseases like tuberculosis (TB).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role and kinetics of prolactin and its receptor during experimental pulmonary tuberculosis.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of prolactin in treating active TB.
Main Methods:
- Mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) were analyzed for prolactin and receptor gene and protein expression.
- In vitro studies assessed prolactin's effect on macrophage and pneumocyte immune responses.
- Prolactin treatment was administered to mice with progressive pulmonary tuberculosis.
Main Results:
- Prolactin enhanced macrophage phagocytosis and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species production in vitro, reducing bacterial loads.
- In vivo, early infection showed high prolactin and receptor expression in lung immune cells.
- Prolactin administration during late-stage TB significantly reduced bacillary loads.
Conclusions:
- Prolactin and its receptors contribute to immune activation in early pulmonary tuberculosis.
- Prolactin administration can reactivate immune protection during late-stage active disease.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
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