Prolactina y Lupus eritematoso sistémico

RESUMO

This article reviews our current knowledge about the prolactin hormone and its possible contributions to the development of systemic lupus erithematosus. This hypophysial hormone has effects on reproduction, growth and osmoregulation, but over the past few years its inmunomodulator effects have been explored. It is mentioned here the initials studies by Nagy and Berczi showing that animals lacking the hypophysis gland develop and important degree of inmunosupression. Due to the effects of this neuroendocrine hormone over lymphocytes it is suggested that the hormone could belong to the family of cytokines with some results as well in the generation of antinuclear antibodies and inmunoglobulins. McMurray et al demostrated that hyperprolactinemic animals were more likely to develop circulanting antibodies and death due to nephropathy. An analysis of the hipothalamo-hypophysial-adrenal axis and its response to some cytokines is discussed as well as its possible contribution to the mechanism of systemic lupu erithematosus. Studies in humans have associated the prevalence of lupoid disease in women or men as the result of the stimulating contribution of prolactin. To corroborate this, bromocriptine seems to have an inmunosupressive effect and therefore has been used in uveitis, Reiter's syndrome and other autoinmune disorders. It is finally suggested that further studies are needed to clarify the possible clinical and therapeutic implicationes of prolactin and other gonadal hormones on SLE.