Sex hormones enhance immunoglobulin synthesis by human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Using a protein A haemolytic plaque assay to detect immunoglobulin synthesis by human peripheral blood lymphocytes cultured with pokeweed mitogen, we have shown a significant increase in IgG plaque-forming cells in the presence of physiological concentrations of testosterone and oestradiol. Higher concentrations of these steroids inhibit plaque-forming cells. There was no difference in the response to testosterone and oestradiol of lymphocytes derived from male subjects or menstruating or post-menopausal females.
D000328:Adult; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004958:Estradiol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006462:Hemolytic Plaque Technique; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D013268:Stimulation, Chemical; D013739:Testosterone / Q000494:pharmacology*
D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011043:Pokeweed Mitogens; D013739:Testosterone; D004958:Estradiol