Abstract
Interactions between thymocytes and thymic epithelial cell (TEC) can be modulated by growth hormone via insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). In this study, we showed IGF-1 and IGF-1 receptor mRNA expression by human and murine TEC and thymocytes. Functionally, IGF-1 stimulates extracellular matrix production by human TEC. Moreover, pretreatment of murine TEC with IGF-1 increases their adhesion to thymocytes. Interestingly, we observed an increase in the frequency of CD4-CD8-CD90+ T cells which adhered to pretreated TEC, supporting the concept that IGF-1 may also act indirectly on intrathymic T cell differentiation and migration through the thymic epithelium.
Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / cytology
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CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
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Cell Adhesion / drug effects
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Cell Adhesion / immunology
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Cells, Cultured
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Epithelial Cells / immunology*
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Extracellular Matrix Proteins / biosynthesis
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Extracellular Matrix Proteins / metabolism
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Female
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Gene Expression / immunology
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Growth Hormone / pharmacology
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Humans
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Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / genetics*
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Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / immunology
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Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / pharmacology
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred BALB C
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Neuroimmunomodulation / physiology
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RNA, Messenger / analysis
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Receptor, IGF Type 1 / analysis
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Receptor, IGF Type 1 / genetics*
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Receptor, IGF Type 1 / immunology
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Thymus Gland / chemistry
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Thymus Gland / cytology*
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Thymus Gland / immunology*
Substances
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Antibodies, Monoclonal
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Extracellular Matrix Proteins
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RNA, Messenger
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Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
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Growth Hormone
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Receptor, IGF Type 1