title: ACTH-like molecules in lymphocytes. A study in different vertebrate classes.
abstract: Immunocytochemical and cytofluorimetric studies were performed in several species of different classes (Pisces, Amphibia, Reptilia and Aves), in order to ascertain the presence of ACTH-like molecules in blood cells. Using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies, we demonstrated that lymphocytes containing ACTH-like molecules are first detectable in anuran amphibia, and are present in lymphocytes of reptilia and aves. Taking into account previous results demonstrating that ACTH-like molecules are present in and modulate macrophage functions from molluscs to man, it is argued that a new biological role has probably been acquired by ACTH in higher vertebrates, where it is also expressed in cells belonging to the lymphocyte lineage, possibly exerting a regulatory role on antibody response.
authors.affiliation: Department of Animal Biology, University of Modena, Italy.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Ottaviani
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Franchini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cossarizza
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Frenceschi
mesh_terms: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone / Q000097:blood*; D000818:Animals; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000737:chemistry*; D014714:Vertebrates / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D000324:Adrenocorticotropic Hormone