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Immunohistochemical Analysis in the Rat Central Nervous System and Peripheral Lymph Node Tissue Sections
Published on: November 14, 2016
Prolactin receptor expression by lymphoid tissues in normal and immunized rats
1Graduate Program in Immunology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9036.
Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
|April 1, 1993
Summary
Prolactin receptor (PRLr) is widely expressed in immune cells. Immunization rapidly and temporarily increased PRLr in lymph nodes, suggesting prolactin
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- The prolactin receptor (PRLr) plays a crucial role in mediating prolactin's diverse biological functions.
- Understanding PRLr expression in immune tissues is vital for elucidating neuroendocrine-immune interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and distribution of PRLr in various immune organs and cells in Lewis rats.
- To examine the in vivo modulation of PRLr expression following regional immunization.
Main Methods:
- Single-color flow cytometry was employed to analyze PRLr expression.
- A specific monoclonal antibody against rat liver PRLr was used.
- Analysis was performed on thymus, spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Main Results:
- PRLr exhibits widespread distribution across immune cells, with distinct patterns in lymphoid tissues.
- Regional footpad immunization led to a rapid but transient induction of PRLr in the draining lymph node.
- Distant lymphoid tissues showed only modest changes in PRLr expression post-immunization.
Conclusions:
- The prolactin receptor is differentially expressed on various immune cell populations.
- Local immune responses can transiently alter PRLr expression in lymph nodes.
- These findings suggest a direct role for prolactin in modulating the immune system via PRLr.
