@Article{,
AUTHOR = {R. Meli, C. Bentivoglio, I. Nuzzo, G. Mattace Raso, E. Galdiero, M. Galdiero, R. Di Carlo, C. Romano Carratelli},
TITLE = {Th<sub>1</sub>-Th<sub>2</sub> response in hyperprolactinemic mice infected with <i>Salmonella enterica</i> serovar Typhimurium},
JOURNAL = {European Cytokine Network},
VOLUME = {14},
YEAR = {2003},
NUMBER = {3},
PAGES = {186--191},
URL = {http://www.techscience.com/ECN/v14n3/66537},
ISSN = {1952-4005},
ABSTRACT = {Prolactin (PRL) is a pituitary hormone and a cytokine known to regulate several physiological
functions. It plays a role in modulating the immune system of rodents and humans. A hormonal protection against
listeria and salmonella infections has been previously ascribed to effects of PRL on immunocompetent cells. Here,
the role of PRL in the Th1-Th2 response was evaluated based on the pattern of cytokines release by splenocytes
from hyperprolactinemic mice infected with <i>Salmonella enterica</i> serovar Typhimurium.<br/>
Hyperprolactinemia by pituitary graft reduced the number of bacteria in spleens of in vivo infected mice.
Modulation of Th1 (IFN-γ, IL-12) and Th2 (Il-4, IL-10) cytokine production by splenic cells was found. Our
results indicate that PRL can up-regulate IFN-γ and IL-12 secretion in response to salmonella infection,
confirming its in vivo immunostimulatory effect and suggesting hormonal participation in the genesis and
sustenance of the Th1 response.},
DOI = {}
}