Summary
This study was performed to examine the in vivo effects of a bolus of recombinant
human growth hormone (r-hGH) on the human immune system. In a double blind placebo
controlled cross over study, healthy volunteers were given 2 IU r-hGH as an intravenous
infusion. r-hGH did not influence the subpopulations of blood mononuclear cells (BMNC),
natural killer cell activity, in vitro proliferative responses or production of interleukin-1α
(IL-1α), IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), TNFβ or interferon
γ in supernatants from BMNC stimulated with either lipopolysaccharide or phytohemagglutinin.
However, two h after infusion a significant neutrocytosis occurred. It is concluded
that a bolus infusion of r-hGH to healthy volunteers exerts only minor effects on
the human immune system.
Key words
Growth Hormone - Immunology - Natural Killer Cells - Proliferative Responses - Cytokines
