Sympathetic regulation of T-helper cell function.
The role of sympathetic neurotransmission in regulation of T-cell function was examined in mice. After in vivo priming with a model protein antigen, hen egg white lysozyme (HEL), the specific proliferative recall response of lymph node cells (LNCs) was examined. The release of endogenous catecholamines by amphetamine (5 mg/kg, 45 min prior to sacrifice) markedly inhibited the proliferative response of LNCs. Combined alpha- and beta-adrenergic blockade (phentolamine, 1.0 mg/kg+propranolol, 2.5 mg/kg) prevented this effect of amphetamine on proliferation. In vitro, the alpha-adrenergic agonist phenylephrine, but not the beta-agonist isoproterenol, inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner, up to 80%. The effect of phenylephrine was blocked by the alpha-adrenoceptor antagonist phentolamine. The effects of catecholamines appear to be mediated at the level of antigen processing/presentation: Amphetamine given prior to sacrifice inhibited interleukin 2 production when irradiated spleen cells were used to present HEL and HEL-related peptides to HEL-specific T-cell hybridomas. In summary, the sympathetic nervous system seems to inhibit antigen processing/presentation and, indirectly, T-helper responses.
Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.
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M
Heilig
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M
Irwin
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I
Grewal
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E
Sercarz
D000818:Animals; D000938:Antigen-Presenting Cells / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006825:Hybridomas / Q000276:immunology; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000276:immunology; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D009113:Muramidase / Q000276:immunology; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation / Q000502:physiology*; D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D013154:Spleen / Q000276:immunology; D013564:Sympathetic Nervous System / Q000502:physiology*; D013565:Sympatholytics / Q000494:pharmacology; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000494:pharmacology; D006377:T-Lymphocytes, Helper-Inducer / Q000276:immunology*
D011942:Receptors, Adrenergic, alpha; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D013565:Sympatholytics; D013566:Sympathomimetics; D009113:Muramidase