Interleukin-2 Driven Nuclear Translocation of Prolactin in Cloned T-Lymphocytes*

Abstract

The nuclear translocation of PRL is demonstrated at the immunofluorescence and electron microscopic (EM) levels in interleukin-2 (IL2)-stimulated cloned T-cells and concanavalin A-stimulated splenocytes. This translocation occurs 2-10 h after IL2 stimulation, and is reversed by the addition of anti-PRL antiserum into the extracellular culture medium. The nuclear localization of PRL in IL2 stimulated T-cells was confirmed by postembedding immunogold EM. The nuclear uptake of PRL after IL2 stimulation was further documented by EM studies using PRL-colloidal gold conjugates. These studies suggest that the intranuclear PRL is translocated from the extracellular medium via an endosomal/lysosomal pathway over a period of several hours. Finally, the requirement for PRL no later than 6 h after IL2 stimulation is demonstrated through the reversible inhibition of T-cell growth with anti-PRL antiserum.