Central catecholamine depletion inhibits peripheral lymphocyte responsiveness in spleen and blood.
Experimental and clinical evidence has demonstrated extensive communication between the CNS and the immune system. To analyse the role of central catecholamines in modulating peripheral immune functions, we injected the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) i.c.v. in rats. This treatment significantly reduced brain catecholamine content 2, 4 and 7 days after injection, and in the periphery splenic catecholamine levels were reduced 4 days after treatment. Central catecholamine depletion induced an inhibition of splenic and blood lymphocyte proliferation and splenic cytokine production and expression (interleukin-2 and interferon-gamma) 7 days after injection. In addition, central treatment with 6-OHDA reduced the percentage of spleen and peripheral blood natural killer (CD161 +) cells, and T-cytotoxic (CD8 +) cells in peripheral blood. The reduction in splenocyte proliferation was not associated with a glucocorticoid alteration but was completely abolished by prior peripheral sympathectomy. These data demonstrate a crucial role of central and peripheral catecholamines in modulating immune function.
Pacheco-López
Gustavo
G
Department of Medical Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
Niemi
Maj-Britt
MB
Kou
Wei
W
Bildhäuser
Andre
A
Gross
Claus M
CM
Goebel
Marion U
MU
del Rey
Adriana
A
Besedovsky
Hugo O
HO
Schedlowski
Manfred
M
D000818:Animals; D002395:Catecholamines / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D016207:Cytokines / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D007274:Injections, Intraperitoneal; D007276:Injections, Intraventricular; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D015213:Neuroimmunomodulation / Q000502:physiology; D016627:Oxidopamine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology; D017933:Peripheral Nervous System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D051381:Rats; D011919:Rats, Inbred Strains; D015398:Signal Transduction; D013154:Spleen / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D013563:Sympathectomy, Chemical
D002395:Catecholamines; D016207:Cytokines; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D016627:Oxidopamine