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Prolactin receptors and the immune system
M C Leite De Moraes1, P Touraine, M C Gagnerault
1Université Paris.
Annales D'Endocrinologie
|January 1, 1995
Summary
The immune system communicates with the nervous and endocrine systems. Prolactin (PRL) receptors are found on immune cells, suggesting local PRL signaling regulates immune responses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroendocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- A physiological immunoneuroendocrine network facilitates homeostasis.
- The nervous, endocrine, and immune systems interact using shared mediators and receptors.
- Prolactin (PRL) significantly influences immune responses in health and disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of prolactin receptors (PRL-R) on immune cells.
- To explore the role of PRL in immune regulation within lymphoid organs.
Main Methods:
- Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against rat liver PRL-R.
- Immunochemistry and molecular biology techniques.
- Analytical flow cytometry.
Main Results:
- Functional PRL receptors were identified on thymic epithelial cells, crucial for T-cell differentiation.
- Human and murine lymphoid cells, including B cells, macrophages, and T cells, express PRL receptors.
- PRL receptor density varied among immune cell types and increased with mitogen stimulation.
Conclusions:
- Prolactin receptors are widely distributed on immune cells in primary and peripheral lymphoid organs.
- Autocrine and paracrine prolactin (PRL)/PRL receptor (PRL-R) interactions may regulate immune functions locally.
- These findings highlight a novel pathway for immune system regulation by prolactin.