The Role of Chicken Prolactin, Growth Hormone and Their Receptors in the Immune System

Abstract

Prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) exhibit important roles in the immune system maintenance. In poultry, PRL mainly plays its roles in nesting, hatching, and reproduction, while GH is primarily responding to body weight, fat formation and feed conversion. In this review, we attempt to provide a critical overview of the relationship between PRL and GH, PRLR and GHR, and the immune response of poultry. We also propose a hypothesis that PRL, GH and their receptors might be used by viruses as viral receptors. This may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of viral infection and host immune response.

Proteome and Peptidome Changes and Zn Concentration in Chicken after In Ovo Stimulation with a Multi-Strain Probiotic and Zn-Gly Chelate: Preliminary Research

“…The concentrations of these peptides were shown to increase significantly following in ovo supplementation with a multi-strain probiotic and Zn-Gly chelate (group IV) or Zn-Gly chelate (group III). Literature data indicate that these proteins perform numerous functions in the body, including involvement in cell differentiation, the cell cycle, regulation of the immune response, metabolic processes, growth, development, and reproduction [70,71].…”

Reproductive Physiology and Advanced Technologies in Sheep Reproduction

“…In addition to their roles as cytokines that play a crucial role in fetal development by promoting cell proliferation and inhibiting apoptosis, GH and PRL are also important mediators of embryogenesis, organ development, and postnatal growth [33]. The biological effects of GH receptor (GHR) and PRL are either local or systemic depending on how the hormone binds to cell surface receptors and initiates signaling cascades [34].…”