Effects of GnRH antagonist on lymphocyte subpopulations in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues of female mice.

PROBLEM

GnRH analogs are playing an increasing role in the treatment of many clinical disorders. Recent studies have indicated that GnRH agonists suppress immune function in mice in vivo. The present study investigated the effects of GnRH antagonist of functional lymphocyte subsets of mice in vivo.

METHOD

Three- and 10-wk old female mice received 10 micrograms of Nal-Glu daily for 15 and 30 days; changes in the immunophenotypic expression of lymphocytes from thymus, bone marrow, spleen and blood were analyzed by flow cytometry.

RESULTS

The administration of GnRH antagonist to pre- and postpubertal female mice induced slight increases in lymphocyte subpopulations in primary and secondary lymphoid tissues. These effects are opposite those obtained with GnRH agonist in our earlier studies in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Assuming similar effects in humans and rodents, the gonadal steroid suppression achieved by GnRH antagonist treatment has no apparent suppressive effects on the immune system.