Douglas A. Weigent, Ph.D.

The primary aim of my research program in immunoendocrinology is to identify the biological significance of growth hormone (GH) and growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) production by cells of the immune system. The major objectives of the research are: (1) to determine the factors governing the production of lymphocyte GH and GHRH in lymphocytes; (2) to determine the differences or similarities in the GH and GHRH mRNA in lymphocytes versus pituitary cells; (3) to identify the GH and GHRH producer cells; (4) to determine the intracrine/autocrine/paracrine effects of lymphocyte GH and GHRH on cytokine synthesis, antibody synthesis and apoptosis in the immune system; and (5) to determine whether GH and GHRH are produced during invasion of the host by viruses, bacteria, or tumors, and can restore deficiencies in immune deficient animals. The results of these studies will increase our understanding of tumor biology and various immunodeficiencies including autoimmunity.

		DOUGLAS A. WEIGENT, Ph.D. Professor
	Email: weigent@uab.edu Telephone: 205.934.4227 Fax: 205.934.1446 Bldg/Room: MCLM 894

	Dr. Douglas A. Weigent, Professor, received his Ph.D. degree in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Washington under the direction of Dr. Eugene Nester. Postdoctoral training was completed at the University of Minnesota with Dr. H. M. Jenkin and at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston with Dr. G. John Stanton. He joined the faculty of UAB in 1986.
	Research The primary aim of my research program in immunoendocrinology is to identify the biological significance of growth hormone (GH) and growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) production by cells of the immune system. The major objectives of the research are: (1) to determine the factors governing the production of lymphocyte GH and GHRH in lymphocytes; (2) to determine the differences or similarities in the GH and GHRH mRNA in lymphocytes versus pituitary cells; (3) to identify the GH and GHRH producer cells; (4) to determine the intracrine/autocrine/paracrine effects of lymphocyte GH and GHRH on cytokine synthesis, antibody synthesis and apoptosis in the immune system; and (5) to determine whether GH and GHRH are produced during invasion of the host by viruses, bacteria, or tumors, and can restore deficiencies in immune deficient animals. The results of these studies will increase our understanding of tumor biology and various immunodeficiencies including autoimmunity.
	Selected Publications Arnold, R.E. and D.A. Weigent. 2003. The production of nitric oxide in EL4 lymphoma cells overexpressing growth hormone. J. Neuroimmunology 134:82-94 Arnold, R.E. and D.A. Weigent. 2004. Inhibition of apoptosis in cells of the immune system overexpressing growth hormone. Neuroimmunomodulation 11:149-159 (DOI: 10.1159/000076764) Weigent, D.A. and R.E. Arnold. 2005. Expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptors in EL4 lymphoma cells overexpressing growth hormone. Cell. Immunology 234:54-66. Farmer, J.T. and D.A. Weigent. 2006. Expression of insulin-like growth factor-2 receptors on EL4 lymphoma cells overexpressing growth hormone. Brain, Behavior and Immunity. In press.