IMMUNOLOGICAL FINDINGS IN GROWTH HORMONE-TREATED PATIENTS

In vivo studies in experimental animals and in vitro studies using hum an lymphocytes have indicated that growth hormone (GH) is important fo r the development and function of the immune system. This is most clea rly illustrated by the underdevelopment of the thymus in dwarf Snell m ice, which is prevented by GH treatment. In contrast, in vivo studies in humans have generally shown only minor alterations of immune functi on in GH deficiency. GH administration to children with various growth disorders may lead to variable and subtle changes in some laboratory parameters of immune function, but no clinical symptoms associated wit h immune dysfunction have been reported.