Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine

Future Research Projects

ASSESSMENT OF IMMUNE FUNCTION AFTER SHORT TERM ADMINISTRATION OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE (RHGH)

Supervisors

Dr Sonya Marshall
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry
& Cell Biology

(Principal)		 Dr Bon Gray
Assistant Professor of Biochemistry

(Co-supervisor)

BACKGROUND

Performance enhancing agents, such as anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) and growth hormone (GH) have been found to increase performance, however they are classified as a prohibited substance in sport as their use can offer an unfair performance advantage. In addition, AAS have been suggested to cause adverse effects on liver function, cardiovascular, immunological and reproductive systems and psychological status. However, the potential side effects of GH, on immune function have not been established. Furthermore, given the reported widespread use of GH amongst athletes, it remains important to clarify the effect on immune function after GH administration.

AIMS OF THE PROJECT

The aim of the project is to quantify the number and function of leucocytes and lymphocyte present in the peripheral circulation of healthy young males after short-term administration of GH.

METHODS

This project will use current and previously published immunological flow kilometric techniques to assess immune function following short-term administration of growth hormone to healthy young males. Analysis will consist of determining full blood count , T lymphocytes sub sets, B lymphocytes and natural killer cell numbers and immune function, for example natural killer catatonic activity (NKCA) prior to and after short term administration of rhGH in healthy young males.