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Growth hormone protects human lymphocytes from irradiation‐induced cell death
Author(s) -
Lempereur Laurence,
Brambilla Daria,
Maria Scoto Giovanna,
D'Alcamo Maria,
Goffin Vincent,
Crosta Lucia,
Palmucci Tullio,
Rampello Liborio,
Bernardini Renato,
Cantarella Giuseppina
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
british journal of pharmacology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.432
H-Index - 211
eISSN - 1476-5381
pISSN - 0007-1188
DOI - 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705173
Subject(s) - programmed cell death , receptor , haematopoiesis , biology , cell growth , hormone , endocrinology , medicine , immune system , western blot , cancer research , apoptosis , immunology , microbiology and biotechnology , stem cell , gene , biochemistry
Undesired effects of cancer radiotherapy mainly affect the hematopoietic system. Growth hormone (GH) participates in both hematopoiesis and modulation of the immune response. We report both r‐hGH cell death prevention and restoration of secretory capacities of irradiated human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) in vitro . r‐hGH induced cell survival and increased proliferation of irradiated cells. Western blot analysis indicated that these effects of GH were paralleled by increased expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl‐2. r‐hGH restored mitogen‐stimulated release of IL‐2 by PBL. Preincubation of irradiated lymphocytes with the growth hormone receptor (GHR) antagonists B2036 and G120 K abrogated r‐hGH‐dependent IL‐2 release. These results demonstrate that r‐hGH protects irradiated PBL from death in a specific, receptor‐mediated manner. Such effect of r‐hGH on PBL involves activation of the antiapoptotic gene bcl‐2 and prevention of cell death, associated with preserved functional cell capacity. Finally, potential use of GH as an immunopotentiating agent could be envisioned during radiation therapy of cancer.British Journal of Pharmacology (2003) 138 , 1411–1416. doi: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0705173