title: Lymphocytes are not only immunocytes.
abstract: Only one of the many functions of lymphocytes is their participation in host immune responses. Lymphoid cells also probably participate in a number of physiological processes aimed at maintenance of homeostasis. It was first suggested half a century ago that lymphocytes may function as trephocytes and regulate the growth of various organs. Evidence is presented in support of this hypothesis.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002455:Cell Division; D004285:Dogs; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000096:biosynthesis; D006706:Homeostasis; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000503:physiopathology; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D051379:Mice; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D006133:Growth Substances