The relationship between the pituitary somatotrophic function and the immune system, its role in the development of neoplasia

Abstract

The present review is focused on the relationship between growth hormone (GH) production and the state of the immune system. The influence of growth factors on the population and subpopulation composition of CD-expressing lymphocytes, functional activity of immune cells, and apoptosis is discussed. The detailed description of the role of disturbances in the pituitary somatotrophic function and the concomitant immune disorders is presented with special reference to the development of neoplastic processes. Changes in the immune system of the patients with chronic hypersecretion of growth factors are described. Tight interactions between the immune and endocrine systems appear to greatly contribute to tumour pathogenesis and have direct effect on the survivorship rate among the patients with acromegaly.