title: Expression of lymphocyte-derived growth hormone (GH) and GH-releasing hormone receptors in aging rats.
abstract: In the present study, we show that higher levels of lymphocyte GH are expressed in spleen cells from aging animals compared to young animals. Further, leukocytes from primary and secondary immune tissues and splenic T and B cells from aging rats all express higher levels of GHRH receptors compared to younger animals. Bone marrow and splenic T cells express the highest levels of GHRH receptor in aging animals. Spleen cells from aging animals showed no significant change in proliferation or GH induction after treatment with GHRH. Taken together, the data for the first time show alterations in GH synthesis and expression of the GHRH receptor on cells of the immune system that may play a role in the immune response in aging.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd., MCLM894, Birmingham, AL 35294-0005, USA. Weigent@uab.edu
authors.forename: Douglas A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Weigent
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D015153:Blotting, Western; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D013006:Growth Hormone / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D012313:RNA / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide / Q000378:metabolism*; D018017:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone / Q000378:metabolism*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000378:metabolism; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D018013:Receptors, Neuropeptide; D018017:Receptors, Pituitary Hormone-Regulating Hormone; D012313:RNA; D013006:Growth Hormone; D013007:Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone; C048250:somatotropin releasing hormone receptor
keywords: Aging; GHRH receptors; Growth hormone; Lymphocytes