In vitro Effect of PTH on Normal T Cell Functions

Uremia is associated with impairment of various cell-mediated immunity functions. The effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) - known to be elevated in uremia - on several T cell functions has been studied. Normal peripheral blood lymphocytes incubated with increasing amounts of human PTH (HPTH) or bovine PTH (BPTH) showed a considerable decrease (up to 40%) in lectin-induced lymphocytes transformation, significant decrease in helpers to suppressors ratio, and marked inhibition of E rosette formation and T11-positive cells. PTH alone showed no cytotoxic effect on lymphocytes when incubated with or without mitogens. Glucagon, in concentrations up to 10-fold those found on uremia, had no effect on T cell function. Thus the effect of PTH was specific to the hormone action. The direct effect of PTH on normal T lymphocytes and some of their immunological responses is not clear. However, the results of this study support the hypothesis that excess blood levels of PTH may play a role in the pathogenesis of the impairment of the immune response in uremia.