New aspects of prolactin and immunity: a lymphocyte-derived prolactin-like product and nuclear protein kinase C activation.
In addition to its growth regulating properties, new evidence reviewed here by Diane Haddock Russell demonstrates that prolactin has important immunoregulatory properties. In immune-compromised dwarf mice, prolactin restores immunocompetence. Human lymphocytes have prolactin receptors and mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes make and secrete a prolactin-like activity. Prolactin can stimulate the activation of nuclear protein kinase C in spleen and liver isolated nuclear preparations. This activation is blocked by prolactin receptor monoclonal antibody, suggesting that there is a receptor-mediated activation process in the nucleus. The discovery of the ability of prolactin and growth factors to activate nuclear protein kinase C may constitute a breakthrough in our understanding of how these hormones regulate trophic responses.
Russell
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DH
D002467:Cell Nucleus / Q000201:enzymology; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D011388:Prolactin / Q000276:immunology*; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000378:metabolism*
D011388:Prolactin; D011493:Protein Kinase C