Behaviorally conditioned immunosuppression in the rat is regulated via noradrenaline and beta-adrenoceptors.
Using Cyclosporin A (CsA) as an unconditioned stimulus has previously demonstrated that behaviorally conditioned inhibition of splenocyte proliferation and cytokine production is mediated via the splenic nerve. Therefore, we currently examined the adrenergic modulation of conditioned suppression of splenocyte function. Chemical sympathectomy via 6-OHDA completely blocked the conditioned suppression of splenocyte proliferation to mitogens and cytokine (IL-2, IFN-gamma) production. Furthermore, administration of beta-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol abrogated the conditioned effect on splenocyte proliferation. Supporting the position that conditioning is beta-adrenergic-dependent, addition of beta-adrenoceptor agonist, but not alpha-adrenoceptor agonists, to splenocytes in vitro mimicked the conditioned suppression of splenocyte functions, with these effects blocked by propranolol. Therefore, these data indicate that behavioral conditioning of splenocyte function in the rat is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, predominantly via beta-adrenergic mechanisms.
Exton
Michael S
MS
Department of Medical Psychology, University of Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
Gierse
Claudia
C
Meier
Bettina
B
Mosen
Martin
M
Xie
Yufen
Y
Frede
Stilla
S
Goebel
Marion U
MU
Limmroth
Volker
V
Schedlowski
Manfred
M
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D002455:Cell Division; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D008297:Male; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation; D009638:Norepinephrine / Q000502:physiology*; D016627:Oxidopamine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011433:Propranolol / Q000494:pharmacology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D051381:Rats; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta / Q000502:physiology*; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D013563:Sympathectomy, Chemical; D013565:Sympatholytics / Q000494:pharmacology
D000318:Adrenergic beta-Agonists; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D007376:Interleukin-2; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D011943:Receptors, Adrenergic, beta; D013565:Sympatholytics; D007371:Interferon-gamma; D016627:Oxidopamine; D011433:Propranolol; D009638:Norepinephrine