The Influence of Prolactin on the Immune Response to Parasitic Diseases

The immunoneuroendocrine network interactions between prolactin (PRL) and the immune system are important because PRL modulates humoral and cellular immune responses in both physiological and pathological situations, as it occurs in parasitic diseases. Protozoa parasites such as Leishmania sp, Toxo pasma gondii, Trypanosoma cruzi or Plasmodium falciparum induce inflammation and raise the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. PRL triggers anti-parasitic activities, in cells of the immune system at multiple levels, either increasing NK cytolytic activities or enhancing phagocytosis and T helper cytokines 1 (Th1) immune responses. On the contrary, PRL also may promote infections caused by helminthic parasites such as Toxocara canis, or Taenia solium, these parasites possess PRL receptors and could use PRL to increase their growth, movement or reproduction.