GnRH agonist induces suppression of lymphocyte subpopulations in secondary lymphoid tissues of prepubertal female mice.
OBJECTIVE
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists are playing an increasing role in the medical management of a variety of diseases. Recent evidence also indicates GnRH immune system interactions.


METHODS
The present study investigated the sequential changes in lymphocyte subpopulations in secondary lymphoid tissues of prepubertal female mice in vivo following Lupron depot administration. A direct two-color immunofluorescence staining followed by flow cytometric analysis was employed.


RESULTS
Following agonist administration, white blood cell counts decreased significantly with decreases in both granulocyte and lymphocyte counts. Blood T-cell and B-cell subsets were also reduced although B cells decreased more markedly. In the spleen, B cells were again reduced more than T cells. There was no selective loss of either CD4 or CD8 subpopulations at any time point, in both spleen and blood. There were no differences in the percentage of lymph node subsets except that B cells decreased in the second week.


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate that GnRH agonist alters specific lymphocyte subpopulations and, therefore, have the potential for affecting immune system function in vivo.
Rao
L V
LV
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44109.
Cleveland
R P
RP
Ataya
K M
KM
D000818:Animals; D001835:Body Weight / Q000187:drug effects; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio / Q000187:drug effects; D004958:Estradiol / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016729:Leuprolide / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects*; D008221:Lymphoid Tissue / Q000187:drug effects*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D009929:Organ Size / Q000187:drug effects; D012741:Sexual Maturation; D013997:Time Factors
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D004958:Estradiol; D016729:Leuprolide