Autocrine/paracrine proliferative effect of ovarian GH and IGF-I in chicken granulosa cell cultures.

It is known that growth hormone (GH) and its receptor (GHR) are expressed in granulosa cells (GC) and thecal cells during the follicular development in the hen ovary, which suggests GH is involved in autocrine/paracrine actions in the female reproductive system. In this work, we show that the knockdown of local ovarian GH with a specific cGH siRNA in GC cultures significantly decreased both cGH mRNA expression and GH secretion to the media, and also reduced their proliferative rate. Thus, we analyzed the effect of ovarian GH and recombinant chicken GH (rcGH) on the proliferation of pre-hierarchical GCs in primary cultures.

Direct antiapoptotic effects of growth hormone are mediated by PI3K/Akt pathway in the chicken bursa of Fabricius.

Growth hormone (GH) is expressed in several extra-pituitary tissues, including the primary and secondary lymphoid organs of the immune system. In birds, GH mRNA and protein expression show a specific developmental distribution pattern in the bursa of Fabricius (BF), particularly in epithelial and B cells. Changes in the bursal concentration and distribution of locally produced GH during ontogeny suggest it is involved in B cell differentiation and maturation, as well as in a functional survival role in this organ, which may be mediated by paracrine/autocrine mechanisms.

Expression and function of chicken bursal growth hormone (GH).

Growth hormone (GH) has several effects on the immune system. Our group has shown that GH is produced in the chicken bursa of Fabricius (BF) where it may act as an autocrine/paracrine modulator that participates in B-cell differentiation and maturation. The time course of GH mRNA and protein expression in the BF suggests that GH may be involved in development and involution of the BF, since GH is known to be present mainly in B lymphocytes and epithelial cells.

Neuro-protective effects of growth hormone (GH) after hypoxia-ischemia injury in embryonic chicken cerebellum.

Neuroprotection is a mechanism within the central nervous system (CNS) that protects neurons from damage as a result of a severe insult. It is known that growth hormone (GH) is involved in cell survival and may inhibit apoptosis in several cell types, including those of the CNS. Both GH and GH-receptor (GHR) genes are expressed in the cerebellum.