Changes in the hormone (ACTH, insulin,epinephrine) content of immune cells in children having acute lymphocytic leukemia (all)

Abstract

Immune cells synthesize, store and secrete hormones, the level of which changes in ALL. In previous experiments the level of histamine, serotonin and triiodothyronine (T3)was studied, while at present that of ACTH, insulin and epinephrine, using flow cytometric analysis for the determination of cell subsets and detection of hor-mone content. The measurements were done in children at the time of diagnosis. ACTH was significantly elevated in each T cell subsets (total T, Th, Tc, activated T), while B and NK cells were not touched. The alterations in the insulin content (decrease in Tc and activated T cells) were uncertain, and NK cells contained significantly less insulin. The disease did not influence the cells' epinephrine content. There is not clear explanation for the importance of changes in the cells' hormone content, however, it is discussed in the text.