RESUMO

Sex hormones are known to be implicated in humoral and cellular immune responses. In this study we report the effects of orchidectomy and testosterone replacement on the immune response using T-dependent and T-independent antigens. It was found that the response was dependent on the nature of the antigen employed and on the presence of testosterone. The absence of testosterone receptors in spleen lymphocytes was also found. An hypothesis that testosterone regulates the immune system through the enhancement of suppressive activity is advanced.

Assuntos

Formação de Anticorpos/fisiologia , Células Produtoras de Anticorpos/fisiologia , Testosterona/fisiologia , Animais , Técnica de Placa Hemolítica , Imunoglobulina M/biossíntese , Ativação Linfocitária , Linfócitos/análise , Masculino , Camundongos , Orquiectomia , Receptores de Superfície Celular/análise , Baço/citologia , Linfócitos T Auxiliares-Indutores/imunologia