The impact of growth hormone (GH) on immunosenescence: exploring the role of B and T cells.

Badra Bashir, Marcella van Hoolwerff, Fabian Benencia, Silvana Duran-Ortiz, Edward O List, John J Kopchick, Darlene E Berryman

Translational Biomedical Sciences Doctoral Program, Ohio University, Athens, OH, 45701, USA. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Immunosenescence is a gradual decline in immune function, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune conditions. Growth hormone (GH) has been shown to have an effect on both immune function and aging. In fact, the absence of GH-induced intracellular signaling can slow the aging process, as demonstrated by the longest-lived laboratory mouse (GH receptor gene disrupted or GHR-/- mice). Because GH receptors (GHR) are expressed in B and T cells, and these cells undergo age-related changes that impact immune function, we hypothesized that decreased GH action protects from immunosenescence. To validate this hypothesis, this study aimed to characterize differences in B cell and T cell populations within the lymphoid organs of aged female GHR-/- mice (24 months of age) compared to wild-type controls.

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Research summary

Decreased GH action protects from immunosenescence by characterizing differences in B and T cell populations in aged GHR-/- mice. This study addresses the role of growth hormone in immune aging, which is a critical aspect of the aging process and its underlying mechanisms.

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