Identification and functional activity of prolactin receptors in thymic epithelial cells.
AUTOR(ES)
Dardenne, M
RESUMO
Thymic epithelial cells (TECs), the major component of the thymic microenvironment, can be modulated by pituitary hormones. We have shown previously that prolactin (PRL) can influence the endocrine activity of TECs and stimulate TEC proliferation as well as cytokeratin expression, suggesting the existence of PRL receptors on TECs. Using a series of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to the extracellular domain of the rat liver PRL receptor, we have demonstrate that rat TECs bear specific receptors for PRL, as assessed by immunoblotting as well as by immunocytochemistry experiments. Using a probe specific for the long form of PRL receptor, mRNAs of 6.7 and 10.1 kilobases were detected, although by immunoblot the major protein in TECs had a molecular mass of 43 kDa. Functionally, these mAbs were able to modulate thymulin secretion, as well as TEC proliferation. Moreover, the mAbs cross-reacted with human TECs and were able to mimic the action of PRL on these cells. These data bring further support for the general concept of the neuroendocrine immune circuit and extend the notion for a pleiotropic role of PRL as an immunomodulatory hormone.
ACESSO AO ARTIGO
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=52786Documentos Relacionados
- Functional interleukin-2 receptors on intestinal epithelial cells.
- Biological action of epidermal growth factor and its functional receptors in normal mammary epithelial cells.
- Identification of JAK protein tyrosine kinases as signaling molecules for prolactin. Functional analysis of prolactin receptor and prolactin-erythropoietin receptor chimera expressed in lymphoid cells.
- Induction of functional beta-adrenergic receptors in HeLa cells.
- Functional diversity of gro gene expression in human fibroblasts and mammary epithelial cells.