Enhancing in vivo effect of propranolol on human lymphocyte function is not due to stereospecific beta-adrenergic blockade.
Immunoenhancing in vivo effects of beta-adrenergic blockers have been previously ascribed to a reduced beta-receptor-mediated immunosuppression. In the present study using a whole blood stimulation assay, the effects of a five-day treatment with the purified (R)- or (S)-isomer of propranolol (3 x 40 mg/day) on the polyclonal in vitro responsiveness of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of normothyroid and hyperthyroid persons were assessed. It is shown that both isomers likewise exhibit a significant enhancing effect on the proliferative response of PBL to T and B cell mitogens, which strongly argues for nonspecific effects of propranolol to be responsible rather than a specific beta-adrenergic receptor blockade.
Mangge
H
H
Department of Pediatrics, University of Graz School of Medicine, Austria.
Pietsch
B
B
Lindner
W
W
Warnkross
H
H
Leb
G
G
Schauenstein
K
K
D000328:Adult; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006980:Hyperthyroidism / Q000276:immunology; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D011433:Propranolol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D013237:Stereoisomerism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000276:immunology
D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D011433:Propranolol