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Endocrine, paracrine and autocrine actions of prolactin on immune cells

L Matera1

  • 1Institute of Internal Medicine, University of Turin, Italy. matera@golgi.molinette.unito.it

Life Sciences
|January 1, 1996
PubMed

Insights

The hormone prolactin (PRL) functions as a cytokine, regulating immune responses through paracrine and autocrine signaling. Maintaining optimal PRL levels is crucial for immune competence, as both high and low levels impair immune function.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Cytokines regulate immune responses.
  • Prolactin (PRL) influences the immune system via endocrine and cytokine-like actions.
  • Both pituitary and lymphocyte-derived PRL interact with immune factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the dual role of prolactin (PRL) as both an endocrine hormone and an immune cytokine.
  • To explore the regulation of PRL synthesis and release by immune factors.
  • To examine the relationship between PRL levels and immune competence.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of human immune system data.
  • Investigation of paracrine and autocrine mechanisms of PRL action on lymphocytes.
  • Study of immune factor control over pituitary and lymphocyte PRL.
  • Assessment of Cyclosporin A (CsA) effects on IL-2 and PRL gene activation.
  • Analysis of intracellular signaling pathways downstream of IL-2 and PRL receptors.

Main Results:

  • Prolactin (PRL) acts as a cytokine within the immune system, regulating lymphocyte responses.
  • Lymphocyte PRL synthesis is induced by T-cell stimuli.
  • Immune challenges can increase pituitary PRL release, potentially mediated by monocyte-macrophage cytokines.
  • Both hyperprolactinemia and hypoprolactinemia demonstrate immunosuppressive effects.
  • Cyclosporin A affects IL-2 and PRL gene activation, indicating coordinated actions during T-cell activation.

Conclusions:

  • Physiological prolactin (PRL) levels are essential for maintaining basal immunocompetence.
  • PRL exhibits significant cytokine-like functions within the immune system.
  • Coordinated signaling between IL-2 and PRL pathways is involved in T-cell activation.

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