ENHANCED YIELDS OF GAMMA-INTERFERON IN PROLACTIN TREATED HUMAN PERIPHERAL-BLOOD MONONUCLEAR-CELLS

Prolactin is a peptide hormone with effects on a number of target orga ns including the immune system. It has been shown that animals rendere d hypoprolactinemic have impaired delayed hypersensitivity, impaired m acrophage activation and altered secretion of gamma interferon (IFN). Using peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and inducing the cells to produce gamma IFN with a range of inducers, we have studied the ef fects of a number of hormones on IFN production. Using cells from norm al donors, we have found that prolactin in concentrations of 10(-8) M or greater, can significantly enhance the production of gamma IFN. The effect was dose related and was observed when lectins (PHA and Con A) , but not anti CD3 antibodies, ionophones, or IL-2 were used to induce the cells. The presence of prolactin in concentrations above that enc ountered in the fetal bovine serum used to incubate the cells resulted in a doubling or more of the IFN produced. The tests were performed o n 30 occasions with cells drawn from 21 individuals. On all but three occasions, yield enhancement was observed in the presence of prolactin . The mechanism of the effect was investigated, and genistein, a tyros ine kinase inhibitor, was found to abort the Influence of prolactin on gamma IFN production. These studies indicate prolactin in physiologic al concentrations can enhance the production of gamma IFN from cells f rom normal donors.