Alcohol impairs age-dependent adaptation of human lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptors.
Lymphocyte beta-adrenergic receptor function and norepinephrine (NE) plasma concentration have been compared in normal subjects and in ethanol-addicted patients of different ages. Direct measurement of the density and properties of beta-adrenoceptors in membrane fractions was performed using the radioligand 125I-Iodocyanopindolol (ICYP). In normal subjects beta-receptor density decreased and norepinephrine plasma concentration increased with age. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between plasma norepinephrine and beta-receptor number. In ethanol-addicted patients the age-related modification in beta-receptor number and the correlation between plasma norepinephrine and beta-receptor density were lost, in spite of the fact that the increase of NE plasma concentration was still present. The ethanol-induced effects in lymphocyte beta-receptor may have consequences on immunological function and may be qualitatively similar to alterations in other tissues not routinely accessible in humans.
Padovani
A
A
Institute of Pharmacological Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
Govoni
S
S
Battaini
F
F
Magnoni
M S
MS
Civelli
L
L
Mauri
A
A
Picotti
G B
GB
Galva
M D
MD
Trabucchi
M
M
D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000187:drug effects*; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000431:Ethanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000097:blood; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000032:analysis / Q000187:drug effects*
D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D000431:Ethanol; D009638:Norepinephrine