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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
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Detection and Enrichment of Rare Antigen-specific B Cells for Analysis of Phenotype and Function
Published on: February 16, 2017
[Detecting immunoreactive GH mRNA in human peripheral blood lymphocytes]
Summary
Researchers found human growth hormone (GH) messenger RNA (mRNA) in normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes. This indicates a low-level expression of GH-like mRNA in these immune cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Human growth hormone (GH) is primarily produced by the pituitary gland.
- The presence and function of GH in peripheral blood lymphocytes are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression of GH mRNA in normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
- To characterize the GH-like mRNA found in lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) amplification of lymphocyte RNA.
- Northern blot analysis using a pituitary hGH cDNA probe.
- Southern blot analysis for specific hybridization.
Main Results:
- A faint transcript similar in size to pituitary GH mRNA was detected in lymphocytes.
- RT-PCR generated a 702 base pair band from lymphocyte RNA, confirming GH-like mRNA presence.
- Specific hybridization in Southern blot analysis confirmed the identity of the GH-like mRNA.
Conclusions:
- Normal human peripheral blood lymphocytes express GH-like mRNA at low levels.
- This finding suggests a potential autocrine or paracrine role for GH within the immune system.
