Expression of lymphocyte-derived growth hormone (GH) and GH-releasing hormone receptors in aging rats

Cell Immunol. 2013 Apr;282(2):71-8. doi: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2013.04.009. Epub 2013 May 3.

Abstract

In the present study, we show that higher levels of lymphocyte GH are expressed in spleen cells from aging animals compared to young animals. Further, leukocytes from primary and secondary immune tissues and splenic T and B cells from aging rats all express higher levels of GHRH receptors compared to younger animals. Bone marrow and splenic T cells express the highest levels of GHRH receptor in aging animals. Spleen cells from aging animals showed no significant change in proliferation or GH induction after treatment with GHRH. Taken together, the data for the first time show alterations in GH synthesis and expression of the GHRH receptor on cells of the immune system that may play a role in the immune response in aging.

Keywords: Aging; GHRH receptors; Growth hormone; Lymphocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aging / genetics
  • Aging / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Blotting, Western
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Female
  • Gene Expression
  • Growth Hormone / genetics
  • Growth Hormone / metabolism*
  • Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone / metabolism
  • Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone / pharmacology
  • Leukocytes / metabolism
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA / metabolism
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Receptors, Neuropeptide / metabolism*
  • Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone / metabolism*
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Spleen / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Receptors, Neuropeptide
  • Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone
  • RNA
  • Growth Hormone
  • Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone
  • somatotropin releasing hormone receptor