Immunomodulatory effects of estrogen and progesterone replacement in a nonhuman primate model.
A novel postmenopausal nonhuman primate model consisting of healthy young and old ovariectomized rhesus macaques was used to assess the short-term immunomodulatory effects of transdermally administered estrogen and progesterone. Specifically, we determined estrogen- and progesterone-induced changes in absolute numbers of circulating lymphocytes (B lymphocytes, CD4+ lymphocytes, and CD8+ lymphocytes) as well as lymphocytes expressing the activation markers CD25 and CD69. In addition, we assessed B and T lymphocyte activity, i.e, immunoglobulin (Ig) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In general, treatment with estrogen or progesterone resulted in decreased lymphocyte numbers and in down-modulation of activation markers. In addition, hormone replacement resulted in a decreasing trend for PBMC IFN-gamma production, whereas PBMC Ig production was minimally affected. Hormone treatment seemed to influence young and old animals differently, with the young animals appearing more susceptible to its immune system-related effects. These results indicate that, in our animal model exogenously administered hormones may dynamically interact with the immune system, resulting in in vivo modulation of lymphocyte numbers and activity.
Attanasio
Roberta
R
Department of Biology, Georgia State University, Atlanta 30303, USA. rattanasio@gsu.edu
Gust
Deborah A
DA
Wilson
Mark E
ME
Meeker
Tracy
T
Gordon
Thomas P
TP
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D018414:CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016207:Cytokines / Q000096:biosynthesis; D004967:Estrogens / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000096:biosynthesis; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology; D023421:Models, Animal; D010053:Ovary / Q000502:physiology; D011374:Progesterone / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D016207:Cytokines; D004967:Estrogens; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D011374:Progesterone