Effects of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor on cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin and melatonin in cancer patients (short communication).

Several interleukins and interferons have been proven to induce endocrine effects. On the contrary, only few data are available about the possible hormonal activity of hemopoietic growth factors. This study was carried out to evaluate the endocrine influence of GM-CSF in humans. The study included nine head and neck cancer patients, evaluated in basal conditions and after an acute subcutaneous injection of GM-CSF at a dose of 3 mcg/kg b.w., by determining serum levels of cortisol, growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL) and melatonin. Both cortisol and GH significantly increased in response to GM-CSF, while PRL, and melatonin were not influenced. This preliminary study shows that hemopoietic growth factors, as well as interleukins, may also play endocrine effects in humans.